Years ago, I was sitting on a plane going to South Africa. It was when I was Chair of ISCA (now ISA).

I had been invited to their joint conference which in Australia’s terms would be ISA and AHISA. I was to be the only Aussie at the conference to which I had to “say a few words”. I was friends with a number of South African Heads through my long association with the International organisation, Round Square. I was looking forward to the Aussi/South African jokes as our two nations share the same sense of humour.

The long journey across the Indian Ocean gave me plenty of time to think and to consider that I was from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, rather than the well-known primate cities of Sydney, Melbourne and probably for the South Africans also Perth, the closest Australian capital city to South Africa. As the sky wandered past I wondered if the Northern Territory Coat of Arms would hold any secrets that I could use in my talk and to my shame I didn’t know its detail. However, I looked it up and found “gold” - the floral and fauna emblems of the NT. They are as follows:

Sturt’s desert rose.

The Red Kangaroo.

The Wedge-tailed eagle.

Two Kangaroos stand upon a grassy sand dune with Sturt’s desert roses. In typical Coat of Arms style, they hold a shield. Appropriately it is decorated with the meaningful art of Aboriginal people, our first Australians. Standing on the top with wings in glorious motion is the king of the Australian Skies, the Mighty Wedge-Tailed Eagle.

I wondered how many Territorians knew that these were our symbols granted to the NT on 11 September 1978 soon after self-government, which took place on 1 July 1978. Up until January 1986, I had spent most of my life in Victoria and I was indeed an immigrant to the NT with much to learn about it. By the 2000s I really felt I belonged but clearly aspects of this great land had passed me by.

I’ve always loved and admired the Wedge-Tailed Eagle which of course can be found in many parts of Australia but nevertheless was identified as exclusively our ornithological emblem. To me it was the symbol of success - flew gracefully, hunted effectively, built a terrific nest and had such acute sight. What a spectacular scene is cut by the Wedge-Tailed Eagle as it rides the skies and circles ever upwards on the thermals, obviously proud of its mastery of flight but ever watchful for prey with which it could feed its family. To me the bird was not only beautiful but was a true winner and it was our emblem. On returning to Australia, after some time of absorbing this knowledge, I set about organising staff to find a firm to produce a beautiful badge of a Wedge-Tailed Eagle. To me it was a true symbol of success and was henceforth awarded to anyone in the College community to acknowledge their success.

“For I love the circling of the Eagle on whose spirit I can soar,

As I ride safe upon his wings high above the valley floor.

Where small creatures wander wisely to avoid the dangers from the sky,

For they respect the power and speed of an eagle circling by.”

Of course, I’m saddened by the vilification of the Eagle that has taken place over time and the desire for people to set out to destroy them. Good research and education have provided knowledge which can produce a more realistic picture about the habits of the great bird.

Accurate knowledge comes from good research and sensible approaches to our special, glorious wildlife and can be promoted through good education. I was pleased to read in my internet research that Wedge-Tailed Eagles are now protected across all states and territories in Australia.

War had originally been declared on this great bird because of the supposed damage it did to agriculture. It became the World’s most persecuted bird of prey. Some Australian states introduced a bounty system which encouraged the slaughter of tens of thousands of these birds annually. I remember well, in days gone by, seeing dead eagles tied to fences.

Research showed that once the eagles hunted medium sized mammals such as young kangaroos and bandicoots. Now they also hunt feral rabbits, foxes and cats. Obviously, the availability of prey determines their diet. Rabbits usually make up between 30 and 70% of their typical diet but this could be as high as 98%. They are also great “cleaners” eating carrion, which may be dead stock or roadkill on roads such as the Stuart Highway.

The story of our grand bird has been a constructive one for students as it encourages them to read critically and develop opinions about what they read. Critical thinking is such an important skill in mastering this age of modern democracy. A wise vote should be always cast as a result of good information and well-considered opinion. So maybe the Eagle badge could also be an award for research, analysis and the expression of a well-founded opinion.

Being immensely proud of the fact that Australia’s largest flying bird is the Wedge-Tailed Eagle I am greatly relieved that it is now a protected species in all States and Territories of Australia.

That ever-huge source of knowledge, the wisely used internet, notes this about research:

“Good research creates value by producing reliable, evidence-based insights that drive innovation, policy improvements, and informed decision - making. It builds credibility and trust, ensures efficient use of resources, advances knowledge, and tackles complex societal problems, while fostering ethical practices and academic, professional and personal growth.”

The Wedge-Tailed Eagle has been saved because of good, persistent research and I am eternally grateful. 

Written by Chris Tudor