I took this pic the other afternoon and when I looked at it I couldn't tell what it was! Anyhow, I realised later that I could post the pic and give you all a link to a 'real' kookaburra image.
http://images.google.com/images?q=kookaburra+image&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi&sourceid=tipimg


The kookaburra is a member of the kingfisher family, it's the one that has the maniacal laugh. We have a family of these birds living close by, currently they have a mother, with a couple of last year's children and a couple of babies. They eat live prey, often swooping down from a tree to catch a mouse or a snake. If they catch a snake, they'll sit on the fence and flick their head back and forth until the snake's back is broken. (Gulp.)

We have Kingfishers nesting in our clay banks, Bethany. They're a lovely blue and like to sit along the telephone wires at our front gate. About the same size as a kookaburra.
http://www.nzbirds.com/Kotare.html

What a beautiful bird. Thanks for sharing it Bethany.

This reminds me of a song from my childhood.:)
Thanks for sharing Bethany.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/kookaburra.htm

What wonderful wildlife you have. I am so amazed at these beautiful birds!

What a neat little bird! I haven't seen any Kingfishers here in MN. We do have lots of Loons though. Want to swap?

Susie in MN