In the past I’ve thought Blue-winged Kookaburras look strange (compared with Laughing Kookaburras) because of their white irises, but I absolutely love this stunning-looking bird.
1/800, f/6.3, ISO 2500
Canon R5, Canon RF 600 f/4 L IS USM
I was leaving a large fenced wetland at a sanctuary when I realised I was being watched and looked up to see this Blue-winged Kookaburra looking down at me. This large kingfisher looks so gorgeous and fluffy, almost like a soft toy.
The blue on its wings is extraordinarily pretty, graduating from pastel to almost navy. The feathers on its head looked pretty comical as a light breeze lifted some feathers and not others.
It was tricky to get a shot of the entire bird as it was close to the track and I was hand-holding a long lens at an uncomfortable angle. I’m glad I persevered.
There are ten Australian kingfisher species – Blue-winged Kookaburras and Laughing Kookaburras are the largest kingfishers here.
Happy birding, Kim
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That was amazing to hear, Kim! You can definitely hear parts of their call that is pretty similar to the Laughing Kookaburra, and then it changes and goes a bit growly and rasping – so interesting to hear. Every week I learn something fascinating from Lirralirra!
Thanks so much, Kim!
That’s great Deirdre, thank you!
What a marvel! You have really caught the blazing intelligence in his eyes, Kim. It’s quite uncanny, how you could sense him watching you, and you looked up to find him, gazing down at you, as if he were the King of the forest! I had the same experience in Hobart, years ago, and I’ve never forgotten that kooka – they do stare with great intensity, and somehow, we humans have a sixth sense about this – I’m sure all living things do. His turquoise feathers are glorious, and the shades of bright blue that drift into each other with subtle depths of tone are amazing. Thanks for showing him to us. I wonder, do these Blue wings cackle like laughing Kookaburras?
That ‘feeling of being watched’ is very interesting to think about. I’m sure you’re right about all living things needing that sense. Their call isn’t ‘laughing’ in the same way – here is a recording you might like, from Graham Chapman’s site: https://www.graemechapman.com.au/library/viewphotos.php?c=311
Spectacular. I disagree with you on the fluffy toy front though.
That steely gaze and formidable beak both would discourage me from getting closer. I would watch with awe though. And am smiling at the ‘flat-top’ hair do.
I know what you mean about the gaze and beak! It was very confident as I squirmed around trying to get into a position where I could get a clear photograph.