Sunday 6 March 2016

DANDENONGS KOOKABURRAS

The Dandenong Ranges (commonly just the Dandenongs) are a set of low mountain ranges, rising to 633 metres at Mount Dandenong, approximately 35 km east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The ranges consist mostly of rolling hills, steeply weathered valleys and gullies covered in thick temperate rainforest, predominantly of tall Mountain Ash trees and dense ferny undergrowth.

It is quite lovely to live up there amongst the lush greenery and wonderful trees, but there is always the risk of bushfires and anyone who lives there must have a well-coordinated fire plan. Needless to say that many of the residents are volunteer firefighters too.

The area is full of native flora and fauna and the birdlife in particular is quite diverse and spectacular. Below are some photos of some kookaburras that frequently come in to feed at one of our friends' place there.

Kookaburras are terrestrial tree kingfishers of the genus Dacelo native to Australia and New Guinea, which grow to between 28–42 cm in length. The name is a loanword from Wiradjuri "guuguubarra", onomatopoeic of its call. The single member of the genus Clytoceyx is commonly referred to as the shovel-billed kookaburra. The kookaburra's loud call sounds like echoing human laughter. They are found in habitats ranging from humid forest to arid savanna, as well as in suburban areas with tall trees or near running water. Even though they belong to the larger group known as "kingfishers", kookaburras are not closely associated with water.

This post is part of the Scenic Weekends meme,
and also part of the Saturday Critters meme,
and also part of the Camera Critters meme.







3 comments:

  1. Hello, what a lovely area to live. It is good that the residents are volunteer firefighters. The kookaburras are great birds, wonderful collection of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!

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  2. These appear to be very friendly Kookaburras Nick.

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  3. I like kookaburras! They are so unique and their sound is so Australian. I have never seen so many of them gathering. Only the one and lonely bird in a gumtree. Thanks Nick.
    Wil, ABCW Team

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