The Emu & Six

As I have mentioned in previous posts, 

this area of New Jersey is home to both farms, open spaces and pristine beaches.

This "Emu" farm I pass in route to Arrow Acres Alpaca Farm, where I learned to knit.

I can't be certain how many Emu call this farm home, if I had to guess I would say maybe 10.

The Emu are a large, flightless bird native to Australia. 

It is the second largest bird in the world, standing 5'7" tall and weighing between 125 - 140 pounds.

I knew one the farms residents was sitting on a nest of eggs, 

and I really wanted to see them.

Each time I visited, mom or dad were sitting on the nest.

But eventually my determination paid off 

and after much coaxing and praise, she finally lifted up to show me her soon to be babies.

The eggs were such an unusual color to me.

One sitting on the eggs, I suppose momma...

while pappa keeps close guard over the area.

Emu's can be very aggressive, these 2 were not...they are farmed for their meat, leather and oil.