Menura

Somehow it feels too early for this.  I did the dictionary thing to see which word I would come up with.  I was not expecting menura which is “a genus (the type of the family Menuridae) consisting of the lyrebirds.”
Ok I am happy for the lyrebirds I think, but right now I am sort of in a stupor just looking at the screen.  I was not ready to learn something.  I was wanting to come across a word I was familiar with and could write about.  Not one I had never heard of and would need to look up to have a picture of.
Don’t get me wrong.  I do like Lyrebirds.  Well I think I do.  I have never really met one.  Just seen pictures of them.  Sometimes moving pictures.  There is no doubt they are pretty.  And also they are mimicers.  For me their imitation of a chainsaw is legendary.
In looking up this for writing about I did discover something about Lyrebirds.  In an article I read they were called “Ecosystem Engineers”.  The claim was made that research has discovered they move more soil than any other digging animal.  They move an incredible 155 tons of litter and soil per hectre.
Other Ecosystem Engineers include Beavers and Bandicoots.  By that term it is meant these animals create new habitats or alter existing ones.  For example Beavers create dams which affect fish and bird populations.  Lyrebirds dig up topsoil and litter in search of worms, spiders and centipedes.  This exposes them to other foraging animals where they may well have been hidden.
Ok I know I did not go into the word “menura” in a big way.  In fact, I sorta stayed away from it.  I was not real confident of understanding it in such a way as I might actually sound like I knew what I was talking about.
So I stuck with Lyrebirds.  I actually found the study of them quite interesting.  Like there is stuff I did not know about them.  I feel I am armed with more knowledge, and I could have a more intelligent conversation with one if the opportunity ever came up.
All I can say is I think they are doing a good job.  Filling a need.  Helping out.