LAUNCHED

Darryl Jones well and truly launched my book at the mountain’s Zamia Theatre in front of close to 60 people this afternoon. He recounted how his research into brush turkeys led him to the mountain over 30 years ago and that close observation of their mounds revealed previously unknown aspects of their mating behaviour. He exhorted people who buy the book to closely study its images before reading it, precisely because the images are the result of sustained observation. He spoke with a generosity of spirit about my work. The event was expertly compered by Janene Gardner, owner of Under the Greenwood Tree bookshop, who has officiated at innumerable book launches. She too had lovely things to say about the book and my project.

For me, the most important aspect of the launch was the atmosphere in the room, which, based on what I was told by those who were there, was exactly what I was after. I saw the launch of the book as an opportunity to have as many people as possible who contributed to it, attend and be acknowledged by the gathering. First and foremost was Jan Watson, the designer. Amanda Klaer read the book and improved the writing before taking on the role of eagle-eyed proof reader. Steve Guttormsen and I put the book together in its current form in 2017. I was delighted that Mike Russell who identified the grasses and Peter Hendry who identified the moths, were present. Without my film crew there would be no rainforest at night footage. Jaap Vogel has been a crew member since our first night walk in November 2007. Hugh Alexander, who also contributed the book’s aerial photos, was a crew member for many years. Mark Gould has been a member for over 10 years and Dan Klaer for nearly as long. The more recent stalwarts who attended the launch are Robyn Law and Lumart Wiechers.

An attractive aspect of the launch was the opportunity for people to enjoy a good mingle and crucial to this, was the serving of a slap-up afternoon tea, which was delivered to perfection by Fran Thorn and Maura Gaughan.

I eventually sat down to sign books. In all, fifteen copies were sold that afternoon.