Hi Mr Tucker,
I understand wildlife better than most. I was having a light joke about this bird. I was fully aware of what the consequences were to be when I made the grab. The poor little fella was scared crazy. I knew he would bite. I worked with wildlife for 17 years.
Been bitten by lizards, birds of countless varieties. Koalas and Possums. Need I say more?
Never would I attempt to humanize an animal. The Kookaburra gave its evening call half an hour ago. I expect him to do his alarm thing at dawn.
On a different note, my dog, Rambo, does have some human attributes.
He is a Border Collie. He is the smartest dog I have ever owned.
Besides all the simple tricks, which he learnt in seconds. I kid you not.
As an amusing thing. I make my hand into a "pistol" I say bang. Pointing the finger barrel at Rambo. He drops like he's been shot.
He has the newspaper at the back door before I get out of bed. On Saturdays he has both portions there.
He is ball mad. Sometimes he loses his toy. I say, "Its up at the front gate." He runs up there. or at the back of the pool. The first time I thought, coincidence. Not at all. He understands some words.
He is as smart as a very young child. He makes sounds to tell me when he is happy to see me. or he is hungry. When he wants to play. Barks on command. Also hand signals. Direction for him to go. He is very capable.
Above all he knows that he is not to chase the Kookaburras, Magpies, Buther Birds, etc.
The Kookaburra is not scared of Rambo. He allows Rambo within half a metre. That happens when Kooka sits on the railling, balconey, and Rambo walks past.
Yes Hans, from what I wrote earlier, it does lead the reader to conclude what you said in your post. It does mislead you. However, I am one to care for wildlife. I do understand that their small brains are mainly effective for reaction and not reasoning.
I just could not help myself to have a bit of light hearted fun when the opportunity presented itself. What I have achieved with the wildlife around here does give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
So many of them will feed from my hand. Yet years ago I could not get within 30 metres without them fleeing. Now they wait for me outside.
Cheers