Kookaburra on the hunt

It was with some degree of relief that I heard a number of Kookaburra calling last week. Since then they have been making their world famous call each morning and evening.

A bird that I remember well from my youth ( I cared for one once while its wing healed), it has been sadly lacking in numbers over the years following.

Many bird species are on the decline due to a number of factors and I recall a recent report stating that the beloved Kookaburra was on that list.

A few posts ago I photographed a young Red Bellied Black snake in my backyard. This is not the only one I have seen. It seems that this years breeding season was a good one for snakes. Hot and dry.

It also seems that the Kookaburra, who are fond of snake for dinner, are aware of the fact.

.

A shot of a Black Snake being swallowed whole is on my wish list.

Next time you see an inoffensive snake on its way, remember that a bird song we associate with all things Australian depends largely on snake populations.

Thinking about Spring

Although the air is still cold, as the above vapor trails demonstrate, rare glimpses of spring are already underway and an awareness of this is apparent with the behavior of various birds in the area.
Denis Wilson, a bird watcher extraordinaire, told me to keep an eye open this season as it is proving to be a time of great interest for such activity.

Water fowl are already pairing off, with great squabbles over prospective mates....




Magpies have already begun swooping other birds around the nearby nesting site they have chosen and are already gathering building materials.

The kookaburras think the whole matter one of great hilarity...



Creatures, such as this Millipede, have also been seen out and about during the warmth of midday ....




Yes, winter has not let go of its grip yet though many are anticipating its arrival as the days slowly get longer...


With a veranda that will serve as a perfect watch platform this year, I shall follow the progression with interest.