Aquila Audax

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Wedgie

People call me all these things

I was once the sheep farmer’s marauder

I killed rabbits and sick lambs

But still he shot me and

Strung me up on a fence as a warning to others

There are still millions of sheep and rabbits

But only hundreds, perhaps a few thousand of

me.

I am the totem bird of a Bunjalung man

He will not allow others to harm me

And I watch over him

As he shares his wisdom

With his people and others who will listen

But as I soar over the stony ridge

Names mean nothing to me

I am broad feathers and light bones,

Strong beak and stronger feet,

Sharp ears and sharper eyes.

Aquila Audax

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Wedgie

People call me all these things