These photographs were taken today, through my window, with my feet resting on my windowsill and my camera resting on my knees. It was a rough morning, I think most of us are probably experiencing days like this at the moment.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 2000, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
Then this kookaburra turned up, perching on my side of the golden robinia, which is unusual; it meant I could watch it without looking through a tangle of branches. And then it laughed, and I felt a glimmer of hope, hope that I thought I’d share.
1/800, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
I love how clear the blues are on this kookaburra, and the way its under-feathers are spread over the lichen-covered branch.
1/500, f/5.6, ISO 2000, focal length 560mm
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400 L IS USM EXT
After staring intently at the patio for a few minutes, it flew down and landed right outside of the window! I couldn’t see what it picked up and swallowed but I hope it wasn’t a baby Marbled Gecko. I found one the other day, very tiny and very cold. I spent a while trying to gently warm it before placing it carefully in a warm nook in the rock wall. Maybe some are hatching a little too early.
Happy birding, stay safe, Kim
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What a joy Kim! 💖 Your pics are splendiferous as always. I especially love the last one looking straight towards you with those gorgeous eyes. It’s clear he came to check in on you to lift your spirits. Thank heavens for the birds – they are a constant source of solace, fascination, pleasure and companionship in these crazy times. We are so lucky to be surrounded by nature – I feel so for all those stuck in lockdown in places bereft of it. We’ve had a solitary young Kooka visit too lately – hunting from atop the tall fenceposts and causing constant alarms from the Eastern Yellow Robins, nesting nearby. I was astonished to see the Kooka coming down low and taking a bath – first time ever – then perching up high on a bare branch in the sun to dry and preen its feathers. Such a sight! The birds of prey rarely come down to hunt in our dense understorey, though when they do they can be such quiet, stealthy hunters. I heard something being whacked on the roof, but didn’t see what it was. Our poor wee Antechinuses and water dragons are all having to learn to be extra cautious with a Grey Goshawk do the rounds too. Stay safe lovely one, and thank you for your beautiful pics and writing.🙏💚🕊
What a lovely surprise to find your newsy comment in among the quiz responses that I’ve been saving until tomorrow. Your place really does sound like a wonderland Denise, and I totally agree with you about how much harder this would all be without nature. I keep re-reading your comment, it’s so interesting! I had my first sighting of a Dusky Antechinus here the other day, unfortunately (or fortunately) it was a demised male, hopefully that means heaps of youngsters are on their way. At the moment there isn’t much outside that I can see apart from a pair of busy Red Wattlebirds carrying rather large sticks in the opposite direction from where they usually nest, and a pair of rabbits munching on the grass. An Eastern Koel has been calling for a few days, I heard them here for the first time last year. Thanks so much for your kind words and lovely comment, I’ve been feeling a bit low and I really appreciate your kindness, Kim 💖
Thank you Kim
For these most adorable photo’s of my absolutely favourite bird, I’m so sorry to hear they have been put on the endangered list. Do you know why or what is happening to them. What a shame but then again being endanger might allow many more to survive. Dona
How lovely to hear from you Dona! I’ve just done a little research so I can reassure you that they are not yet on the endangered list but that their numbers have been declining, along with magpies and other birds of prey. They think there are a number of factors including changing agricultural practices, climate change and the use of mouse and rat baits. The baits of concern are the ones that kill rodents after one feed as they are often eaten by these birds and secondary poisoning occurs. Some places are banning the use of these rodenticides, which is good.
It was lovely to have the kookas visit, I didn’t see them today but I heard them laughing. Did you have a favourite of today’s images? It must be about time that I sent you another print, Kim x
Now that is absolutely hysterical because I had the exact same experience today only I had the pleasure of two beautiful, inquisitive, iconic Kookaburras and the difference – naturally I did not have a camera – however, I was up close and personal sitting less than five feet away. I had set up to work outside where I look out over natural bushland and huge gum trees – the ideal Aussie setting for these magical birds. They sat preening and observing their territory perched on perfectly positoned branches giving them a view of the ground below and then, one at a time, they flew down and enjoyed some tasty insects.
Not long after parrots, lorikeets and a very cheeky sulphur crested cockatoo came to visit. They sat on the table right by my side and the cockatoo decided my sunglasses looked very interesting – we had a chat after he tried to take off with them.
During these sad and difficult times sitting watching the sun going down, listening to the birds singing and chirping and enjoying visits from all these beautiful birds is exactly what one needs. As night falls and most of the birds have found a place to rest I then enjoy a visit from a family of kangaroos. Nature definitely provides happiness and healing.
Stay safe.
PS hope the baby Marbled Gecko survived!
What a neat coincidence Barbara! The kooka above did have a friend but they didn’t sit close enough for me to get both of them in the shot with a long lens, plus the second one stayed behind the tangle of branches. Yours came crazily close, how gorgeous! And then for the parrots to visit you too… just perfect. We have to stay focussed on the beautiful things around us don’t we. Today a pair of Galahs flew in, along with Maned Ducks, a White-faced Heron and a Collared Sparrowhawk among the usual suspects. The ducks and the heron are pretty much daily visitors at this time of year. The ducks are looking for a nesting hollow, my duck nesting box has fallen down, maybe that’s something I could fix tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience with nature, Kim
Beautiful photos. What a portrayal of magnificence is the second photo.
Their presence certainly helps to lift the spirits in such tough times.
We have so many fairy wrens around at the moment. Helps me to maintain an inner smile.
I love the second shot too Margot, a very iconic pose and it shows off so much of its beautiful plumage (now I feel like I’m quoting Monty Python!) That’s great that you have so many fairywrens around, mine have disappeared, at the same time as I’ve seen two wandering cats. I hope that’s just coincidence 🙁
Great shots. Love Kookas!
So do I Stephen, they haven’t turned up today, yet…
Beautiful, thank you, Kim!
My pleasure Chrissie, thank you, Kim
Thank you and the beautiful kooka.
I hear them from time to time, but see them MUCH less often these days. Which worries me.
What a shame you aren’t seeing them so often. I’m not either, nor hearing them so often. I’ve wondered if it’s because they generally call at the corners of their territories and I’m hoping it’s because their territories are shifting, but I could be being hopelessly hopeful.
I did see a report that suggests that they are heading for the endangered list. I hope not. I really hope not.
I’ve read something about decreasing numbers, and for magpies too. Oh EC, how desperately we need some good news…
Magical! Stay safe.
Thank you, Thomas. And you stay safe too, Kim