Bird perplexed by its own reflection sparks public worry
"I just like to stare at myself in the window." (Reddit/SydneyTom)
A Queensland curlew spotted staring at its own reflection for a long period has led to concerned calls to wildlife authorities.
A photo of a bush stone curlew, a small bird native to Australia, gazing fixedly at its reflection in a glass wall was shared to image-hosting website Imgur and Reddit yesterday by a passerby.
It has since been viewed tens of thousands of times.
On the same wall, a note from a Wildcare Australia representative, signed “Caitlin”, advises member of the public the bird is in fact “fine”.
“I just like to stare at myself in the window,” the note reads.
(Image: imgur.com/GnPdqPK)
Wildcare Australia could not be reached for comment, however RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty has confirmed that the curlew’s behaviour is not particularly unusual.
“Animals do do that - it’s not just curlews. You often see magpies and crows looking at a window,” Mr Beatty told 9news.com.au.
“In most cases they’re just curious, and they enjoy looking at their reflection.”
Mr Beatty said members of the public need not be concerned in such instances, and should “leave (the animal) alone”.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2017
