Mysterious Lyrebird

Almost invisible in the dark recesses of the rainforest the lyre bird becomes noticeable only when it moves. But the sound can alert us long before we see the mysterious bird. A wonderful mimic, the dawn chorus is sometimes just one individual, running its repertoire of 10 or 20 other birds. Maybe even a phone ringing or vehicles passing.
Imported from New South Wales as an insurance population when the NSW species was seriously threatened by habitat destruction, they were initially released at Mt Field and Hastings. Now they roam the forests from the Florentine River to the South Coast.
 
This photo was taken near Mystery Creek Cave by
Max Wellstead during his stay at Buttongrass Retreat.
Lyre birds are often heard and occasionally seen at
Huon Bush Retreats as well.