Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree. Just love them

I would love to have a couple of dozen of these Kooks out here.
There was a story in the news this week in the news. A toddler was playing in his grandparents back yard, Grandma and Grandpa were there too. The Grandma heard her dog yap and looked up to see a rattle snake jumping at the toddler More...

Don't know why I shared the story. I just remember someone telling me that these birds take care of snakes, but are only native to those on the other side of the world.

That is true Karen. Kookaburras are native to Australia and they do eat snakes and lizards as well as other things.

Thanks for the wonderful picture and label of a Kookaburra! It is great to see one up close.

Hi Kirsten. I learned the 'Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree' song years ago in Girl Scouts, too. In the lyrics, the kookaburra laughs. To any of our Aussie friends--do they sound like they're laughing?

Do they have a call that sounds like a laugh? I recall that in the song.

Karen, I saw the story also, and was glad to hear the dog was ok, or recovering well.

Nice bird...great dog!

Karen, What a touching story...thanks for sharing it. This was a super puzzle to complete, and a beautiful bird to greet us at the end.

Liz, Kathy, they do have a call that sounds like raucous laughter. It is a sound you may recognise because it is often played in the background in jungle movies. Of course it is not a jungle bird, its normal habitat is light woodland. Several of them usually set up a chorus at dawn and dusk to More...

If you want to hear two kookaburras calling go to

http://www.honoluluzoo.org/kookaburra.htm

and start the slider on the right-hand side of the page.

Thanks, Ian, they do sound like they're having quite the party!

Thanks Ian, and Karen, after listening to that, and reading that they 'clock' at dusk and dawn, are you sure you want them in central Texas?

Thanks for the link Ian. I remember singing that song when I was in elementary school. But I didn't know what the bird looked or sounded like. Now I do! Sounds kind of like monkeys to me.

I have had roosters, chicken, guinies and I have a one year old, what is one more noise to add. Oh and I live with my husband whose noises are very annoying when he brings out his tools. I can identifly 3 different types of birds that hang around here. The Scissortail,which are quiet, the black birds, which can be scary at times. And buzzards which only show up after something is dead.

That kookaburra is such a cute bird and I am glad you mentioned the sound from the jungle movies....now, I have an idea how they sound. Not too bad but not for very long at a time. I will go to that site later. Almost time to start dinner.

Fun picture. Thanks Ian.

Terri, It's not a brilliant recording, the real call is much more welcoming - it always brings a smile to my face.
Karen, it sounds like you already have enough noise problems.

'Any noise annoys an oyster, but a noisy noise annoys an oyster most.' Anon.

Noise bird Ian!!

Ian-I haven't heard that in years, my Mom taught it to me years ago. So many comments today, love the dog story-thanks Karen.

The kookaburra is the largest member of the kingfisher family.

1/01/08

Yes I had to do one more and off to bed. Good night everyone, hope you all have a good nights sleep. 02/27/08