| Actual Image
Laughing Kookaburra (34)
JPlumb
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 643 W: 160 N: 894]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (2837) | I was taking a break from a morning shoot in Tomaree Park at Shoal Bay when this guy flew right down in front of me on the fence rail seen in this picture. I was able to take one picture and he flew away. This was my visual introduction to Laughing Kookaburras.
Laughing Kookaburras live in woodland territory. They are native to Eastern Australia, but have been introduced to other parts of the country and New Zealand. They are a member of the Kingfisher family; in fact they are the largest member, growing up to 45 cm. in length.
They hunt by perching on a convenient branch while they wait for prey to pass by underneath. They hunt small animals such as mice, large insects, lizards and snakes.
They are named for their laugh. It is very loud, and can be startling. For those who have not seen a Kookaburra, they may already be familiar with the laugh as it was often used as background noise in early jungle movies. That’s where I first heard it, without realizing what it was I had heard.
Here’s a Sound Bite of a pair of them. Warning: turn your speakers down.
from: http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/dacelo-novaeguineae.mp3 |
|
