The first scene in Chapter 5.  

  Ben opened his eyes slowly. What was that ridiculous commotion? It

was vaguely familiar in his mind’s eye. He saw a strange plump bird

with its broad bill thrust in the air as it emitted a cackling serenade like

no other bird on the planet. It was the opening scene of an Australian

newsreel in a Singapore theatre. Now the absurd warbling laughter

filled his eardrums until he wanted to grab the stupid bird and choke the

mocking, hilarious nonsense right out of its gurgling throat.     

He turned his head to the narrow double doors that opened onto the

wide verandah. A kookaburra sat in the lower branches of the privet tree

planted for protection and shade. Another of its flock soon answered the

laughing rendition, then another joined in and another. Ben jumped out

of bed and took the few steps onto the verandah.

He waved his arms wildly. "Get out, you insidious laughing idiots," he

shouted. He slumped into the squatter’s chair and rubbed the sleep

from his eyes. "Even the birds are crazy in this goddamn country," he

mumbled, trying not to allow the memories of the last tension-filled days

to flood his mind.

He watched a goanna claw its way cautiously to an outer branch of a

privet tree at the far end of the long verandah - suddenly all hell broke

loose. A high-pitched squawk sounded the alarm and birds, commonly

known as happy family, appeared in droves, babbling and squawking

and nose-diving at the goanna who stood his ground for a few minutes

until he thought better of it and made a hasty retreat. Apparently, it had

been after a nest of freshly laid eggs belonging to the extensive family

group who protected their own at any cost. 

An extract from the novel 'Valley of the Eagle'

first published with the title "Gully Rakers" in 1995

 Frontier adFrontier adventure, fast paced with fiery love.

The essential  Australian story steeped in flavors of 

"Gone With the Wind" 

Powerful  -with a host of unusual characters.