On our walk yesterday, we came across this little fellow.
All together now, awwwwww.
Totally and utterly uninterested that we were there, this Echidna (aka Spiny Anteater) excavated the hard dirt with his/her very powerful claws, in search of a late afternoon snack - ants or termites probably, or maybe a tasty worm.
Hubby and Jack stayed well back, while I watched him in wonder, and was able to get quite close, as he was lost in his foraging.
After a short while, he set his sights on more humus (and insect) rich soil... across the road.
Down the kerb and off I go.
He was happy to have me accompany him and watch for cars, blissfully unaware of the dangers. He had a firm idea of where he was going, and nothing was going to stop him. And, with those spines, who was I to argue?
This was one of those times I cursed that I didn't have my camera. I used hubby's iPhone, so some of the images aren't too sharp and, I never know where to put my thumb, hence the pink tinged shadow - sorry folks :)
Once safely on the other side, we left him, happily burrowing deep into what seemed the promise of a good meal.
What a fine encounter with one of Australia's wonderful inhabitants.
♥