At the sound of us skidding in the gravel at the roads shoulder, this Echidna made for what cover was closest to hand. Now, I dont expect anyone outside of Australia to believe me when I say this is an actual animal. So here is a link to Wikipedia's Echidna page, that will sort you out.
Tis a pity this one wouldnt show his face for us, we waited as long as we could to see if he would pull his head out. But he stayed put, and I am not one to force the issue. They are actually very sweet with thier small eyes and charming beak. Yes, really. A charming beak. Im telling you, you really want to click Wiki's Echidna page link.
9 comments:
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe you found a real echidna. I'd never dream of seeing one even if I'd travel to Australia and go hiking there for some weeks. Aren't they really rare? Bravissimo! Love the close-up shot from his skin and spines. It was probably well thought not to force him to show his face, not at last for your own safety :-P.
All of your pics make me go OUCH, specially the bottom one.
That was good spotting though.
This is another one of your Australian animals that are made from spare parts! I'm sure there was just a drawer full of left over bits that wouldn't fit any of the other animals, so 'new' creatures were invented in order to use them up...
I agree with barkfoot's theory! Looks a lot like a porcupine but that snout/beak/whatever it is - looks really weird! But then, I imagine I would look weird to IT.
Areeiro I couldnt believe we found one either, we have gone out looking for them a number of times, in areas where we had information they would be - but never had any luck. How DH saw this as we hurtled by, I dont know LOL So, I dont think they are considered rare, but they might as well be LOL
Melanie He has a talent for spotting, good thing he uses this super power for good, not evil LOL I did touch the spines very gently, they felt like fingernails - only wierd-er LOL
Barkfoot Good one Mate, and likely too. I cant argue with that, they are so bizarre!
BetteJo Porcupines are kinda cute too LOL I think you are right that we look wierd to it, it really didnt want to look at us, and just kept its head wedged under the tree trunk LOL We were too terrifying for it :)
Eeew! Holy quills! I have goosebumps.
Ces Arent they bizarre? Spikes AND fur - dressed for all occasions I guess LOL :)
Reminds me of a porcupine.
Sandy Yes, porcupine - I guess mother nature knew it was a good design LOL
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