Could a book title summarise any better, the community sentiment felt towards these birds! Love or hate them, the way we feel about these avian critters tends to be quite polarised. I remember when we chose Brush Turkey Enterprises as the name for our business 25 years ago, it drew a mixed response. We also figured it was memorable and apt considering we started off as a rainforest seed collection business and spent lots of time scratching around in rainforest leaf litter for seed. Brush Turkeys are also important in the development and spread of rainforest, so a worthy emblem for our business. Twenty-five years on I’ve even been honoured with the Jinibara name of Wawun-Dja “Scrub Turkey Man” for our ecological restoration / healing country work on our adopted home country of the Blackall Range.
Twenty or so years ago I was fortunate enough to meet Ann Goth in the earlier stages of her research into these Amazing Annoying Birds while she was based in Maleny. I’ve followed with interest her research over the years. The results of her research should well and truly tip us all into using the amazing epithet, because the ecology and lifecycle of these birds is truly amazing. That said. I’ve also lost crops of potatoes, taro, arrowroot, banana etc… to our namesake, which again leaves one feeling somewhat conflicted.
But let’s get back to the book. It is a comprehensive summary of all things Brush Turkey. It covers all the current scientific knowledge on these megapodes and why they are a keystone species for many ecosystems in an engaging easy to read format. Chapters cover the value of Brush Turkeys to First Peoples, to the impacts on backyard gardeners to their ecology. A particularly engaging aspect of this book is the many interviews of people living and working with Brush Turkeys, which brings a genuine community feel to this publication.
Other topics include: the reasons behind their relentless move into our suburbs, their unusual incubation method and approach to child-rearing, their promiscuous and mischievous happenings on the incubation mounds, methods for deterring them and how you can help Brush Turkeys in the city.
I must admit my bias in having a long-term love affair with the Brush Turkey, but this book is well worth adding to your bookshelf especially if you are a gardener or bush regenerator who has a perceived conflict with Brush Turkeys.
Review by Spencer Shaw
Land for Wildlife member, Maleny, Sunshine Coast
And Owner, Brush Turkey Enterprises www.brushturkey.com.au specialising in the restoration of native vegetation through education, consultancy and cultivation of native flora.