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Brush-turkeys, In Their Own Unique Way

Nathan Turner

For as long as I’ve known the Brush-turkey has roamed around my home. I live in Lane Cove, Sydney, backing onto luscious and boundless bush. For the longest time I only saw adult Brush-turkeys around - we call them all ‘Steggles’ around these parts. Over the years their numbers have grown, suggesting they are breeding successfully; their presence becoming increasingly well known.

I find myself in awe as I watch them scurry around. When I hear rustling in the bushes, I hope to see a baby Brush-turkey appear. Seeing adults or babies makes me smile, bringing joy to my day in their own special way.

Every day they move sticks, leaves, and whatever they can find to build their nest mounds, utilising their environment and what’s around. When the humans come they run, nature is their surrounding shelter and comforts them as the world goes round.

I love to watch them as they run and bask in the sun, sprawled across the ground laying stagnant (‘sunbathing’) as day after day fades away.

It’s the Brush-turkey that makes my day, in their own unique way, they make me smile and have done so for a while.

I find comfort in the way they grow, move, and continue to thrive. Walking along I anticipate their rustling in the bushes no matter how bright the sunlight, because I know no matter what they once gave me such a fright, but now and always they bring me such delight.