While in the Blue Mountains I was able to get a few pictures of the Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina).

I did not see too many birds while on my hike last weekend as it was a rainy and muggy day. However, I was lucky to see several of these large birds.

The Pied Currawong is indigenous to Australia, and you will only see it in the eastern part of the country.

In this picture you can see the piercing yellow eye and also the beautiful tail feathers.

The lush underbrush of the rain forest makes getting a good picture a hard task.

I saved my favorite picture for last. Here the Pied Currawong is looking back over the shoulder keeping an eye on me.

The Pied Currawong also has a very distinctive sound and is a very noisy bird. The call sounds like currawong which is where the name comes from. It also has a high pitched whistle that it makes.

One of the Pied Currawongs was a bit friendly and would keep close, but out of reach, as I walked along the trail.

I sometimes think about making a list of all the birds that I have seen in the wild through the years. I have seen birds on all seven continents, so would probably have a pretty good list.

I am looking at the clock and see that it is about 10 minutes until the time that I land in San Francisco. What, did I miss my flight? No, due to the International Date Line, by the calendar I will be arriving home before I leave my hotel. Today will be one of my Longest Days.

Steven

Almost finished. How much taller will the towers be?