Rain, Ants & Laughing Kookaburras, Let’s Myth Bust a Few If you grew up anywhere near a backyard, paddock, or washing line, you’ve probably heard at least one of these: “The kookaburras are laughing — rain’s coming!” “The ants are coming out — there’ll be a storm.” But are these just old wives’ tales… or were our grandparents quietly onto something?