Portrait of a (laughing) kookaburra

As I have noted in a few earlier posts, we are privileged to have laughing kookaburras regularly visit our garden. The following portraits were taken in very late October and very early November (2018) in our front garden.

Three series of portraits are presented. First is the laughing kookaburra in our frangipani tree. At this time it is bare, devoid of foliage from the dormant cooler months. Looking very closely may reveal a new flush of leaves sprouting - BUT, this is not about the frangipani 😊. Very photogenic as you can see, and the position allowed some variation as I reposition my camera along the front verandah; the subject then flew across the yard to another bare perch as an interlude in preparation for portrait number 2. I concluded with another of those "special" moments when you see a direct visual connection with the bird!

Second portrait is the laughing kookaburra enjoying our birdbath. One of the interesting things to note in this second series is the "tool" (beak) being sharpened as part of the bathing and preening process. Always on the lookout ... any morsel is not to be missed! Again, I am able to conclude with a "special" moment establishing a direct visual connection with the bird!

Third and final portrait is the laughing kookaburra perched atop the support post for our front yard tap, much closer to the ground. This portrait concludes with a different kind of treat, one specially for the kookaburra and reward for its patient perusing across the morning. This portrait includes another wonderfully clear close-up. Even better is to be able to conclude with another direct visual, this time the real treat being it is complemented by demonstrating the result of using those keen eyes and the t "tool" that was sharpened up during the bath and preen 😉 ... quite the privileged mornings viewing!