G'day. This is a Lyre bird taken fairly close with a flash (but in the wild) at Cathederal Range (north east of Melbourne. These are large generally solitary bird (body is 45cm to 55cm head to back = not including the tail). This is the (boring) fmale of the species who generally just wanders around scratching the ground for insects/bugs. the male (tomorrows upload) is one of the most decorative Austrlian birds and is even bigger. hes the one shown on David Attenboroughs (Life of Birds) series that copies all the noises of the other birds in the forest. They have even been known to copy chainsaw noises and the noise of camera motor winders too!!(you can see this on D.A.'s doco). They make so much continuous noise that after 5 minutes you have to leave as its too noisy!! Anyway these ones are fairly tame as many walkers use this area on a daily basis. There are not many predators around these more remote parts!! Enjoy Lou