For the flying display, a chirpy American host introduced a cast of bird characters. A magpie with a wider voice range than an opera singer, warbled softly, then when asked to sing louder, did so. A black-breasted buzzard appeared and instantly got to work using a stone to smash a fake emu egg for the goodies hidden inside.
A barn owl appeared soundlessly from a distant dead tree trunk to glide over our heads for a treat.
Then we saw a kite swooping skillfully and more delightful aerobatics from birds of prey.
Next, we passed a clearly aroused male emu doing 'drifting' round his pen, then visited the dingoes having a stretch and yawn.
The nocturnal house was so well done with all kinds of diurnal snakes and lizards, and spiny devils scoffing black ants. The night creatures included frenetic rarities, like hopping mice, bilbies, mala, bettong and more, racing around in enclosures cloaked in half gloom.
The park is a constant source of wonder, including themed enclosures where we saw more dusky grasswrens dustbathing, spinifex pigeons and local desert birds.
A woofing sound led us to the next enclosure to the awe inspiring sight of a large, male Australian Bustard putting on a tremendous mating display. Wow! A zoo guide later told us the bustard was now on his own. A previous female companion had mated and then been partitioned off with the youngster because Dad gets very jealous to the point of infanticide, so Junior was sent away. When Mum showed no further interest in Dad, she went too, so now he displays in solitary splendour.
The cinema at the exit showed a super film that took us through the natural wonders of the creation of The Red Centre. Special effects, timelapses, drone shots and great wildlife footage made a wonderful close to a perfect visit.
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