Kookaburra sits ...

Kookaburra sitting in an old gum tree at Star Swamp, Perth

These birds were introduced to Perth over 100 years ago and because of that are still somewhat maligned by many bird watchers. However, I think after 100 years it should be time to embrace them and consider them locals. There are always a few kookaburras around in any Perth bush or parkland where you have tall gum trees. The WA kookaburras were originally released from the Perth Zoo and gradually expanded their territory to include most of Western Australia's South West.

The kookaburra is from the kingfisher family and  the largest kingfisher in the world. They prey on mice, insects, lizards and small reptiles. Although a kingfisher this bird doesn't  tend to go for fish, unless you have an pond with some juicy goldfish swimming around!