Voices of the Australian Bush

For most of us, the bush is a place of secrets.

We look, hear, feel, smell – yet it remains a mystery. And this is because we cannot interpret its sounds. Harold J. Pollock has learnt its language, and in this book he initiates the nature-lover into some of the mysteries of the Australian bush.

To collect this material, Mr Pollock (one of Australia’s best-known nature photographers) spent many years living in the bush, searching for and recording on tape and film the calls and habits of Australian birds. He used his cunning to outwit theirs, his caution to outwit their caution, and he has achieved a vivid, fascinating documentary made up of a record and corresponding notes and colour photographs.

The fascinating repertoire of the Albert Lyrebird, the cheerful melody of the Willy Wagtail, the powerful trill of the Whistling Eagle, the mournful cry of the Green Catbird and many more, both rare and common, are captured on record.

The knowledge and pleasure to be gained from this book are but a beginning. From here we can go on to further adventures — to discover for ourselves the never-failing delight of a closer acquaintance with our native fauna. Mr Pollock generously shares with us his techniques, acquired over many years, for successful recording and photographing of wildlife.