Merry merry king of the bush is he

 

kookaburras sitting on a branch
Even in the USA, school kids learn about the laughing kookaburra. The laugh is real, carries far and is so distinct it is unmistakeable! The old gum tree part seems to be a bit flexible (see below). The kids were traumatized by kookaburras in their youth. Somewhat akin to the seagulls in our zoos, a kookaburra swooped down and stole Casey's french fries as she was attempting to eat them. At least, that is how I remember it.

These two kookaburras were attempting to create a nest hole in palm tree (not at all similar to a gum tree). They gave it up as a bad job. Look closely to see the two crammed into the space. 

close up of palm tree with two kookaburra butts in a hole

During this process, the pair would sit together on the power line. A few days after this, she moved to a different wire. 

They don't really seem to be in charge of anything so I checked in why they are called "king of the bush". According to google, it is because they are the largest of the kingfisher family. Less fun. 

There are definitely birds that claim royal precedence. Not the kookaburras or the king parrots. This is a phone picture so you need to squint, but the lorikeets have basically told the king parrots to wait their turn.

two birds at a feeder and two more on the rail of the porch

This king parrot seemed much more pleased with getting my. sister-in-laws garden all to himself!

parrot eating out of raised garden bed

The bush sounds and morning bird song are so different here, it is incredible. It isn't just the sight of parrots but the sound of different birds. We are currently in the capital of the country, Canberra. Canberra is situated in its own version of DC, called the Australian Capital Territory. They get their own number plates, as well.

Scott says it is a city built according to a plan rather than left to develop organically,  It reminds me a little bit of St Paul, built on more radiating lines vs square boxes. However, I don't think they would claim the "drunk Irishman" part that St Paul holds dear. I think it is built around roundabouts [Note: Suzanne - you are so  right; the St Paul drivers have no idea how to signal in roundabouts. I have finally learned!].  Yes, I have been driving. The left side of the road part is the easy bit. Brakes, gear shifts, seat belts and turn signals are all on the wrong side. Intersections without roundabouts still require close attention and can be panic inducing. Getting there, though.

We are now cat sitting. This is a pretty easy job! Applied for a sit in South Australia before the Christmas holidays and for one in Victoria afterwards. Fingers crossed! 

Anyone else ready to try pet sitting as a way to travel? Let me know, if so

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