On the continent of Australia, the land down under, lives
a unique raptor known as the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax).
The name of this bird of prey comes from its characteristic diamond-shaped
tail. The Wedge-tailed Eagle can
be seen widespread throughout the continent, as well as Tasmania, and parts of
southern New Guinea.
A wedge-tailed eagle in flight with broad wings
stretched out and its diamond-shape tail easily seen (photo: the Wikipedia files)
The Wedge-tailed Eagle is the largest raptor found in
Australia and fills in the niche as nature’s scavenger, as there are no native
vultures. Despite past persecution
due
to accusations of predation on cattle
and sheep herds, the Wedge-tailed Eagle population has thrived well from the
introduction of rabbits, a pest species introduced in the early 1800’s, as well as the usual sources of carrion.
In many early cultures, apex predators were regarded as
gods or spirits, responsible for the elements or even the creation of the
world, the Wedge-tailed Eagle being no exception to this.
One creation story belonging to the Kulin, an aboriginal
people of Australia’s Victoria state, tells the story of Bunjil, in the form of
a
Wedge-tailed Eagle, and his creation of the world and
humanity.
Bunjil, the Great Spirit and All-father, created the
entire earth with the plants and animals to inhabit it. He also made the form of man, which
proved a greater undertaking than the rest of his creation, for man would
require the complex power of thought and reasoning to separate him from simple animals.
After much consideration, Bunjil selected two slabs of
bark and crafted them into shapes suitable for his greatest creation, being
sure to incorporate the necessary traits of mobility and dexterity into his
design. Next, he took soft clay
from the earth and molded it around the bark sheets, smoothing it. Completing this task, he danced around
the still figures, implanting the seeds of knowledge, thought, and reason.
Granting them the names, Berrook-boorn and
Kookin-berrook, Bunjil knew this was necessary so that they could retain
individual personalities and spirit.
His creations ready to be filled with life force, Bunjil danced around
them once again and proceeded to fill their mouths, nostrils, and navels with
breath and life.
Dancing around them a third time, Bunjil weaved complex
patterns in the dust. As he did
so, Berrook-boorn and Kookin-berrok rose from their place on the ground and
linked hands with Bunjil. They
joined their All-Father in celebration of the dance of life, singing with
Bunjil with the first song from the lips of man.
Duncan, WBS's resident Wedge-tailed Eagle (photo: Gay Schroer)
To see a flesh and blood example of Bunjil come visit us at the World Bird Sanctuary where you can meet Duncan our resident Wedge-tailed Eagle who usually
resides in one of our exhibit enclosures on the path just past the Wildlife
Hopital.
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