sandeyeKookaburra and magpie
July 30th 2007 20:07
Over the past couple of days, as I have spent much of my time relaxing rather than working, I have noticed the seasons changing outside. This has changed the inhabitants in our garden a little.
Once again, after a break of several months, I heard the local kookaburra laughing from a nearby chimney. Last year, we had two parents and a baby visit our yard frequently for a few weeks. They would sit on our fence, washing hoist, or carport roof, and totally ignoring the seagulls who flew squawking at them in annoyance of having their territory encroached upon, would suddenly break into action from their rigidity and swoop down upon our lawn to grab a grub. They have grown fairly tame over the past 3-4 years, recognizing us as harmless and trustworthy. Sometimes I would throw out some lamb scraps or left over pasts to the seagulls and the kookaburras would fly on down to gobble these morsels.
Another change in the air is the return of the magpies. I was writing up my chapter about the Australian black-backed magpie for my upcoming book last week, thinking what a shame it was that we had not seen any in our yard for some time, when I heard one on next door's aerial. Their song is beautiful and I have missed it. Apparently it is one of the most complex songs in the Australian bird language. I recall my son attempting to copy the warble, and to practice it along with one of the young a few years ago.
If either species decides to use our yard for habitat again, I will definitely be taking some more pictures on my digital camera, and post some here!
Once again, after a break of several months, I heard the local kookaburra laughing from a nearby chimney. Last year, we had two parents and a baby visit our yard frequently for a few weeks. They would sit on our fence, washing hoist, or carport roof, and totally ignoring the seagulls who flew squawking at them in annoyance of having their territory encroached upon, would suddenly break into action from their rigidity and swoop down upon our lawn to grab a grub. They have grown fairly tame over the past 3-4 years, recognizing us as harmless and trustworthy. Sometimes I would throw out some lamb scraps or left over pasts to the seagulls and the kookaburras would fly on down to gobble these morsels.
Another change in the air is the return of the magpies. I was writing up my chapter about the Australian black-backed magpie for my upcoming book last week, thinking what a shame it was that we had not seen any in our yard for some time, when I heard one on next door's aerial. Their song is beautiful and I have missed it. Apparently it is one of the most complex songs in the Australian bird language. I recall my son attempting to copy the warble, and to practice it along with one of the young a few years ago.
If either species decides to use our yard for habitat again, I will definitely be taking some more pictures on my digital camera, and post some here!
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