Edward Sorenson
Australian Town and Country Journal
December 17, 1902

“The Kookaburra (the word is spelled in various ways, such as “Kukuburra,” “Gogoburra”) forms one of an important quartette that have been associated with Australian literature from its inception, the other three being the Curlew, Mopoke, and Emu. Though the latter is generally regarded as our national bird, the Kookaburra is equally worthy of notice; indeed, it may be said that, in certain parts, at least, it has claimed more interest from bushmen and visitors as one of the world’s feathered oddities. Its striking appearance alone commands attention, while its “laugh” is even more remarkable. Forbearance on the part of bushmen has made it fearless, and it is a constant companion at all bush homes. Never very shy, it has always been a conspicuous object to settlers, even apart from its remarkable and irresistible cry. In earlier times it was known as the “Settler’s Clock,” from a belief that its joyful paeans were vented regularly at morn, noon, and dusk, being quiescent through the heat of the forenoon and the wane of the afternoon.”
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