Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.




Waltzing Australia

Saturday 16 November 2013

The Laughing Kookaburras

 
Above: Kookaburras
The kookaburra is native to Australia and New Guinea and is one of my favourite birds because of their unmistakable laugh. When you hear them, it brings a smile to your face and you feel like laughing with them. Tree kingfishers, they're a large bird growing 28–42 cm (11 to 17 inches). Aborigines of the Wiradjuri group called these birds guuguubarra - the English word kookaburra comes from that. The above photo was taken in a childrens' playground.

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree,
Merry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,
Gay your life must be!


The above words were penned by Marion Sinclair in 1932 and is a well known and much loved children's song..

Click the video to hear the laughter.


Today's quote: As I stood on the lonely backroad, I'm sure I heard birds, kookaburras, laughing ... Steven Herrick

4 comments:

Red Nomad OZ said...

Haha, is this the Aussie version of the three wise monkeys?!?!?! Nothing says 'Australia' quite like a kooka!!!

Gemma Wiseman said...

This little bird is such a character. We have some around us daily, often joining us on our verandah. But I think this is the first time I have seen them featured in a children's playground.

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

Red Nomad OZ - Yes, you know you're in Australia when you hear them laughing. They're even better than Vegemite!

Gemma - You're so lucky to see them on your verandah. It isn't until I get out a bit that I see them.

Unknown said...

WOW! What a fantastic bird! Love the name too.

Melbourne Daily Photo

Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.