Grey Kangaroos (Macropus
giganteus) frequently visit the mown areas around the house at Yallaroo.
In the morning and afternoon there may be up to 15 individuals feeding only a
few metres from our family room. Grey Kangaroos are common throughout the
eastern coast and tablelands of New South Wales. Males may develop into large
animals up to two metres (six feet) tall. Males will often fight on our lawn
using their paws and powerful hind legs to gain supremacy over their rivals.
Joeys (baby kangaroos) are fairly large when they leave their mother’s
pouch. After becoming mobile they spend some time dashing around (sometimes 50
metres from mother) perfecting their hopping ability. Joey and mother spend
many months together. We have seen joeys, at least half as big as their
mothers still taking milk from the pouch. We are happy to have these visitors
around the house. Looking out of our windows is like being involved in a
wildlife documentary.
The photograph shows one of our female kangaroos
with a white patch on the nose. Many of her progeny display this mark.