Boof. How quickly kids grow up.

This is a bit of a time line on how quickly these guys develop.

I was introduced to Boof on the 4^th of Jan at the age of 2 months

I say 2 months, as a member of Birds of Oz has been documenting the development of her Kookaburra baby Spike. Deborah Pearse had the unique camera angle to view straight into his breeding box. He hatched the 15^th Nov & I think Boof is 7 – 10 days older. I think this, not only because of behaviour, but by his lower beak. Baby Kookas had a stubby all black beak. This grows quickly and the lower beak starts to change to cream. Boof started a while ago, Spike a week later.

I just love his little squat beak.

If I hide up here

He'll never find me

Sound asleep I hear.................
KOO, KOO, KOO, KAA, KAA, KAA, KOO, KOO, KOO, KAA, KAA, KAA.
"Will you put a cork in it" I yelled

God does have a sense of humour.

When he arrived he was all clumsy & uncoordinated. There wasn’t an object or sound that didn’t fascinate him. And they play. Yes, play. I watched as one morning he pounced on a piece of dead palm frond that had blown off a neighbour’s tree during the night. He flogged it to death making such a commotion, you’d have thought he was in battle with a monster snake. Once satisfied it was dead, he flew up to the fence. Looking down at his kill, he wasn’t quite sure if it was dead enough, so flew down and gave it another flogging. Damn thing just wouldn’t stay dead.

The next day (17^th) I set up Headley hoping for some fun. I wasn’t let down. Boof picked up a wooden knob, and jump up to the Tapas Bar to play with it. Not only was I treated with the following photos, it was what happened after he flew off with the knob in his mouth that made me laugh out loud.

You see what I have, don't you

You saw. I caught it, I killed it

but I do have one question.....

How do I get the bloody thing off

I know. I'll fly up to that tree

And knock it off on one of those leafy branches.

Wow, this thing is heavy.

I....just....can't....hold....on.

He was flying up to his perch above the cycleway, but the knob was bloody heavy and he dropped it. At this exact same time an elderly Japanese couple were walking along the cycleway, when the knob landed next to the Gentleman. Their reaction was priceless. I couldn’t understand what they were yelling at Boof, but I could guess. They’ll go home with tales of Drop Bears & Killer Kookaburras.

Like Human babies, baby Kookaburras need to learn to speak. They have the begging call from the minute they hatch, but the other calls come much later. With Boof it was the 27^th of Jan.

It was only a “KOO, KOO, KOO”. His first words. The “KAA, KAA, KAA” will come later.

KOO, KOO, KOO
KOO, KOO, KOO.

What a big day this was going to be for Boof.

For a week now he had been watching me hand feed the family from the rail, as he did today. Them fed & gone, I settled down to have a quite beer and enjoy the last of the day. That’s when it happened. Boof flew up to the railing on his own. He sat there eyeballing me and doing his “feed me” call, me sitting there softly chatting to him. Slowly I stood up to go get him some meat, which scared him & he flew back to the fence. The next day he did the same. This time I still had some meat with me. Showing him the meat he allowed me to approach him. This day 2feet was the Point. The point he wouldn’t let me cross. Each day allowing me to get closer until he was happy to get meat placed next to me resting on the rail.

It’s the 3^rd of Feb and Boof seems very relaxed now. Today he took his first step. The last few days I’ve been feeding him with the meat lying next to my hand. A couple of times he’d let me hand a piece to him, but still refused to jump on my hand. That all changed today. Today he hopped on. It was only brief, he grabbed his treat & flew off. We did this another ½ dozen times. Final tally – 4 pieces of meat, 2 fingers (He really needs to work on that aim thing).

Don't look at me.

Look at the meat

Now jump onto my hand.

A long journey starts with one small step.

Boofs Training.
Step 1: Get him to sit on your finger.
Step 2: Don’t let him bite it

Step 3: Definitely don’t let him get enough purchase that he can pull backwards....
Step 4: Dial 000. Help will be there directly.

On his next visit, instead of getting up to get him some meat, I got my camera. Would he allow me to take close-up? Turns out he’s a natural.

Boof checking out the camera.

He's a chilled out character.

The camera's only 10cm away

It would be nice if you could give me a profile shot Boof.

While all of this is going on he is still giving me some great photos from the Tapas Bar. He needs to check out everything. Like Button (last year’s baby) he samples everything.

The 70's.

The decade of "big hair."

Silly Saturday

"Give me a goofy look"

Silly Saturday

"Give me a smile"

Silly Saturday

"Bite Me!"

Well it’s now the 7^th, and his biggest step by far – literally.

His big step was onto my hand where he chose to stay. He was happy to eat his treat without flying off. It was a light bulb moment for him. He realised he would get more if he just sat there.
That vid is at the bottom of my post.

Even in training

A feed doesn't come easily at my place.

Securing only half his treat

Boof sits there contemplating what to do next

The 12^th was a scorcher. I have a squirter on the table for the cats training.  Would he appreciate a squirt? Absolutely loved it.

Kookaburra Training - Discipline.

Step 1. Squirt your naughty Kookaburra with water.

Step 2. If step 1 didn’t work, get closer & repeat step 1.

Step 3. Make sure they’re not enjoying it.

The next morning was also hot. I was down early cleaning out the bird bath when Boof arrived at the fence to watch. I wondered? Spraying the water high in the air I sent the stream his way. He was like a kid, opening his mouth and trying to catch the drops. So cute. I turned the hose off & went upstairs to get Headley. Boof was waiting when I got back. Turns out he likes a bit of a hosing. Headley got it all & the video is at the bottom of this post.

Not quite dried off yet

But it has left him with such a clean beak

While we’re on Headley and videos, I went down later that day to collect him, it was getting late & the light was poor. While I was down there, Boof arrived next to me on the fence. I turned Headley back on and did my first selfie. I think the interaction is great & worth the watch. Btw, I don’t have a face for selfies, but this was worth posting. That to will be at the bottom of this post.

My 1st selfie.

The 20^th was interesting. Devil was asleep on the veranda when Boof landed on the rail above him. I thought “this will be interesting”. I wasn’t concerned about devil as I had Squirt (name for my squirter bottle) in my hand if interjection was required, and I’ll admit I wanted some. I wanted to see what goes on when I’m away at work. Both are very aware of each other, but seem relaxed. So relaxed, that after a couple of minutes I went inside to get my camera. Hyde, my other cat (he’s been thru this 4 times now) and while interested, just watches.

Don't look at me silly.

Don't worry about me. I've got him covered.

He moves that 2nd paw & I'm out of here.

The 21st  and Boof is now a daily visitor. Still a bit clumsy getting aboard, but he's getting the idea.

Now I want you to step onto my hand.

No, not into  my hand.

You need to get a better grip

That he did.

I'm sure he's going for an artery in my wrist.

Now normally I'd be worried about my fingers,

But the death grip exhibited above, increased.

Would I bleed to death, crossed my mind.

Finally a perch both he & I was happy with.

No Authors were hurt in bringing you these photos

My favourite time of the day is twilight on a hot summer eve. Sitting there enjoying the view and reflecting on the days events.

Boys being boys, you can expect at times

they're going to come in missing some bark.

Here's Boof with a bit of a scratch on his beak.

The best way to beat the stresses of the day...

...is like this.

I need to save some photos for the next post, so I guess that's it for this post.

It was a biggy. I hope you enjoyed.

If you're not bored yet, here's those video's

Boofs first step

https://youtu.be/pBKUGJGzAfk

Boof copping a hosing

https://youtu.be/OB9GkwpmyKg

My first selfie

https://youtu.be/_5Vx7HsH4X8

My Burra Family - Plus 1

The end of October, Bashful came in with a case of baby belly. My Burra Family was about to grow.

Last year they introduced their latest addition, Button, on New Year’s Day, so I was ever hopeful this year might start with more than a bang.

Unfortunately it didn’t happen. Not that day or the next.

It was early on the 4^th & I could hear a Kookaburra commotion coming from my backyard. Normal for my place. They do like to call-in the day.

What wasn’t normal was the unmistakable call of a begging Kookaburra baby.

Let me introduce you to Boof.

Out on the veranda I go, camera in hand, & he flew off. Ok, it's early, but I'm up for this game.

We play hide & seek. All of this before I've had a coffee. I did get in a couple of snaps before the coffee beckoned.

I now have a family of 7.

Boss & Bashful, oldest son Bitey (3), the twins Brave Baby & Bully (2), Button (1) and now Boof.

Bashful, true to her name. is in the trees watching.

This the family (L-R)

Bitey, the Twin's, Button, Dad & Boof

Meals on wings.

Bitey doing a home delivery

for a very excited Boof.

I think he's a week or 2 older than when Button was introduced. She had only just fledged and was a clumsy little thing. This guy has it more together. Doesn’t fall off the fence when he lands, and only drops about ½ his food.

No second chances here with his sisters.

If he drops a morsel, that's the last he see's of it.

But the antics at feeding time are the same. It’s a perilous job. The boys do the bulk of the feeding & that’s just as well. The girls are somewhat greedy. Sure, they will feed Boof, but only when they can’t eat any more.

The funniest of the lot is Bully. She really doesn’t like to share. Just because she has Family duties, doesn’t mean she has to enjoy them.

With a treat in her mouth, she calls to Boof. Leaning forward, mouth agape, ready for his meal, he is beside himself with excitement. 

"Oh Goody, Oh Goody!" he says bouncing up & down with joy.

"Here's my big sister Bully with Dinner"

Bully pulls back changing her mind at the last second. Now she is wracked by guilt & Family duties and all. You can see her indecision, it’s palpable. She has her back to him. She has the meat still in her beak. She is moving her head left & right as if she is arguing with herself. The good Self wins-out, and she turns to feed Boof.

Her moment of indecision.

His moment of disappointment.

He could almost taste it.

He eagerly awaits his offering, but smart enough to know what was likely to happen. So he gets in early. It turns out, at that this exact same moment ,Bully’s indecision set's in again. But Boof already had one end and he wasn’t letting go. A brief tug of war ensued. Common sense prevailed and Bully released the meat.

I... think... not.

Too late Sis.

"Give it up. Dad's watching"

Now this is just Bully to a T. She did exactly the same thing to Button last year.

Now getting all of this on film presents a small problem. I use a GoPro camera (named Headley) & a hand held remote (he didn't get a name & is a little pissed) that I opperate from my veranda. Great camera, but very limited. The bird needs to be about 2 feet away and within 2 feet left or right. So I set the camera up and toss meat below it hoping for them to fly up in front of the camera & call the baby in.

Failure

Thank you.

That will do nicely.

When he plays the game & lands where he should.

"Brother. Brother. Do you see that"

"What's that Boof?"

"That. That thing wriggling in the grass."

"Yeah, that's just a worm. They're all over the joint. Great tucker."

"WOW......food that pops out of the grass just like magic"

The one thing all kids love to do is play. Well it seems birds are the same. Never gave it much thought until I started observing these guys 5 years ago. Kids will be kids. Their curiosity is unquenchable. I also believe they have a sense of humour, but more on that further down.

"I don't like how he's looking at me " says Headley
"Not one little bit"

"He has mischief on his mind I'm telling you"

"I'm not food!" yelled Headley.
"I'm the bloody camera"

Last week the Tapas Bar fell apart. It was on its last legs. The top was the only important part, so off with it, quick sand & oil, and screwed to the top of an old stool. The Tapas Bar was refurbished & back for business. Seems I'd left a big wooden knob on the grass that caught his attention.....

Sound asleep I hear.................
KOO, KOO, KOO, KAA, KAA, KAA, KOO, KOO, KOO, KAA, KAA, KAA.
"Will you put a cork in it" I yelled

Seems God does have a sense of humour.

I have it. It's all mine. But what have a got?

It's not fur or feather. It doesn't wriggle or squirm.

This needs further inspection.

Nup, nothing from here.

Inspecting it from yet another angle, yielded nothing.

Deciding he would take this off to the trees behind for further contemplation he flew off.
But it's bloody heavy and nearly to the trees, he drops it.

It lands near the couple walking in the background.

Their reaction - Priceless.

God really has a funny sense of humour.

I have increased my hand feeding of the others, so Boof can see the relationship I have with the Family. I love hand feeding these guys, and I think they do to.

Brave Baby getting settled.

Yes. It's every bit as soft as it looks.

Now, when you feel like you want to throttle your birds, follow these steps closely

Step 1.

Place fingers each side of throat.

Step 2.

Secure your grip around the throat

Step 3.

And the most important step.

Make sure they're not enjoying it.

Now back to their sense of humour.

One of the games we play is “worms in holes”. One such time, Bitey buried his beak deep into my clenched fist to get his “worm” but the fist tightened around his beak. He had a hold of the meat, I had a hold of his beak. I wouldn't let go until he let go. This lasted all of 30 seconds. He let go so I let go.

Worms in holes

So I re-offered him his prize. He grabbed it, and, my finger.

"Now, what was that you were saying?"

"Something like, I'll let go if you let go. Have I got that right?"

Payback's a bitch

He held both in his beak, for about the same amount of time, then slowly pulled the meat off my finger. At no point was he trying to hurt me, I’d know. He was aptly named, as he lets you know if he has the shits.

I laid out some meat in front of Headley. Best result would be if Boof landed there, but more likely, one of his brothers or sisters and they might call him in. I told them all "THIS IS FOR BOOF".

Bully was the first one in.

Remember, this is Bully.

Eating all but the last piece, she looked at me & said

"Sorry did you say something"

She said "KOO, KOO, KAR, KOO, KAR, KAR"

translation;

BWAHAHAHAHA

“Hun, I’m going out for a hunt tomorrow, probably be gone all day”

“What and leave me with the kids?”

“Babe, I need to put food on the plate”

“Bullshit, you do it because you like it”

“Well yes, we are Kookaburras after all.”

Returning later that day, he flew up next to Bashful and asked...........

".......Hi Hun, How were the kids?"

Brave Baby has turned out to be a pretty good carer. He. (Yes, I say He. Turns out I think he is a boy. Good luck at school with a name like that. Some might say it's will be character building. Not sure of that, but I do know he'll learn to figh) .

Anyway, he is smart. He knows with everyone watching he'll get brownie points for enthusiasm, so he jumps at the first chance to feed. But he also knows this guy drop 1/2 of what he is given. There is no 5 second rule with Brave Baby.

Family Duties.

Look at how intently Brave Baby
is watching the meat and not Boof
Volunteering has its rewards.

Well that's it for this post. I hope you enjoyed our new addition, and as the photo says......

See you all soon.