Notes:
Article: From the Nepean Times, 23 June 1936:
WONDERFUL BIRDS
Experiment at Springwood
LYREBIRDS in CAPTIVITY
Of intense interest to bird lovers is the very successful experiment of Mr J. Coyle, of Springwood with lyrebirds, which, after the manner of domestic pets, have acquired a familiarity with human beings which is quite surprising in view of the traditional timidity of the birds.
Representatives of the Nepean Times were able to gather some very interesting information on the occasion of a visit to Mr Coyle on a visit to his home this week.
Mr Coyle has two in captivity, a male and a female bird. They were captured in the wild country around Springwood and have prospered under his keeping. He has supplied them with natural food - they are gluttons for worms – and this no doubt has contributed to the success of his experiment.
These birds, which are claimed to be the only ones of their species in captivity seem to have become quite friendly to all humans who visit them, and with very little inducement will perch on one’s arm or shoulder.
Format: B&W photograph
Date range: 1930s
Licensing: Attribution, share alike, creative commons.
Repository: Blue Mountains Library library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Part of: Local Studies Collection SHS 246
Provenance: SHS
Tags: springwood blue mountains nsw lyrebirds Coyle history
Notes: This may be a tame bird kept as a pet at the Megalong Tea rooms. Emus were widespread in the Megalong before white settlement and were the subject of Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. The word for emu In the Gundungurra language is Birriban or Ooale, in Dharug it is Murriong or Marayong.
Format: B&W photo by Ethel May Bishop.
Date Range: 1929
Licensing: Attribution, share alike, creative commons 3.0.
Repository: Blue Mountains Library library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Part of: Local Studies Collection - PF 2961-1
Provenance: From City of Sydney Archives, donated by Patricia Asher daughter of Ethel May Bishop.
Tags: emu birds Megalong mythology Aboriginal creation myth Blue Mountains history