Bush Stone Curlew

A large family of these birds reside permanently at The Spit. They usually move around and feed at night, and rest up in groups, under the shade, during the day.

Their scientific name is Burhinus grallarius, and they are sometimes called by other common names, such as the "Bush Thick-knee", "Weeloo" or the "Willaroo".

It is a strange feeling to watch these birds. Once they know that they have been seen, they "freeze" and will not move or take their eyes off you. If you look away then look back, they have usually disappeared. They walk quickly away then freeze again, making you find them all over again.

Sometimes they will lie down completely flat, hoping not to be seen. If they are approached too closely, they will fly away, but seem reluctant to.