Meet Kooky

Our time with Kooky was brief, but what a privilege it was. Kooky, a kookaburra (an original name lol), came into our lives under sad circumstances in July 2018. Kookaburras, known for their distinctive laugh-like call, are iconic birds in Australia. They belong to the kingfisher family and are often found in the eucalyptus bush, woodlands, and now even urban areas.

Kooky was found dazed in the middle of a well-used road to the beach, having been hit by a car. The driver did not bother to stop, but fortunately, a kind-hearted couple with their 3-year-old daughter saw Kooky and stopped to help. The little girl immediately took off her jumper and asked to wrap the bird in it. They brought Kooky to us, and the little girl didn't want her jumper back—it was for the bird.

Sadly, Kooky did not make it. Many injured birds succumb to capture myopathy, a condition where the stress of being captured or handled causes severe muscle damage. This stress-induced condition often leads to death, especially in wild animals.

In memory of Kooky and the little girl's touching gesture, I have made a beautiful little pouch out of the jumper. Whenever I use it, I think of Kooky and the young wildlife warrior who, at only 3 years old, showed such compassion and love for a helpless creature.

Kookaburras are fascinating birds native to Australia and New Guinea. The most well-known species, the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), is found throughout eastern Australia and has also been introduced to southwest Western Australia and Tasmania. The Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii) is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

Interestingly, while kookaburras are not native to Western Australia, they have adapted well to the environment and are now protected in that region. Their distinctive call, often described as a "laugh," is a familiar sound in Australian bush settings. Kookaburras play an important role in the ecosystem, feeding on insects, small mammals, and other prey, and their presence is often considered a sign of a healthy environment.

Kookaburras are highly social birds, often living in family groups of up to seven individuals. They are known for their distinctive "laughing" call, which is used to establish and defend their territory. This call is most often heard at dawn and dusk, earning them the nickname "Bushman's Clock". Kookaburras are also known for their "sit and wait" hunting technique, where they patiently watch for prey from a high perch and then swoop down to catch it.