This is Madison's entry photo for the Fine Arts competition she is competing in this week in Southern California.   She would have preferred to enter the landscape category but it was already taken.  In my opinion, animals are tough to photograph.  They move about, turn away and don't always give you their best side. This field is just on the edge of town and is home to three emus, three horses and numerous peacocks.  Madison's original subject was to be the horses.  They were too far away and always bending down to graze.  Emus on the other hand are quite social and curious birds.  As soon as we were next to the fence, they came to greet us and stayed the entire time.  As Madison moved down the fence, do did they.  They are native to Australia and are related to the ostrich.  We were thinking that we should stay back from the fence as not to be pecked by that strong looking beak.  But later learned that it is their legs you need to steer clear of.  They have a nail on their toes that resembles a knife.  Their legs are so strong that they can rip open metal wire fences. Wow!  Glad we didn't upset them. They were fun to watch.