Great Parrot Paradise!
Ah yes, I drove into the parking lot, parked the car, and went inside to buy the Scotties their beloved “cookies”. (otherwise known as contraband that will cause the boys to do most anything we want them to do!!!)
As I was picking out the bags, I heard a lot of commotion over in the “bird’ section of the store. Well, I love birds. I love the noises they make, the colorful plummage, and well….I just love them.
As I walked over, I kept saying, “Oh, you are such pretty birds!” Suddenly, I heard, “Hello!”. I turned my head in the direction of the voice, when another voice….different from the first….uttered “Hello!”. As I stood and watched, for only a brief time, it became obvious that each of these little individuals was totally unique!
There were several birds, and several varieties. Each was more beautiful than the next, and their curiosity made me giggle to myself from time to time!
I so wanted to capture just a little of their marvelous essence on the camera, so I asked the man at the checkout if I might take some pictures. He said “Sure!” without any hesitation. I nearly danced out to the car, swooped up my camera, changed the lens, then went inside to “visit” with these characters!
These Cockatoos were the greeting committee.
The Macaw below was one of a few. Gads, they were SO loud! They were not allowed to leave their cages. In looking at the size of their beaks, maybe this was for the better!!! They surely do have beautiful faces, though!
I think this is a cockatoo. This one was like a gang leader, showing me around. It was looking at me with its head turned, but as soon as I snapped the picture, it turned its head….”So…what do you WANT from me?”
These little innocents are very colorful, adding to their “cuteness”. They were also quite inquisitive. So much so, one flew over and landed atop my camera for a few seconds. I was laughing so hard at this point, the poor birds must have thought I had lost my mind!
Several birds were aloft in high places. There, they preened themselves and observed from above!
This guy grabbed a nugget of food, then used its claw to hold on while it nibbled.
As you can see, appearance is of prime importance to this group. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!
And this gray parrot (African Gray?) was content to chew away at the wooden perch.
This was one of the most fun times I have had with “animals”. Yes, I know, they are birds. Who would have known they are such characters?
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Great pictures! I wish I could have been there. I am a big fan of birds, especially the talking varieties.
I have to say that I’m not sure that I approve of birds being kept as pets.
I know that we’ve domesticated other animals and what’s the difference between them and birds, but somehow I just feel there is.
I want to see birds in natural surroundings, or, if they are an endangered species, in controlled environments which do their best to mimic their natural habitat whilst building up populations to return to the wild.
Just my two cents/pence worth.
Well, Bill, I do agree I would rather see birds in the wild, as well. But these birds will be going to homes, and I do know some people really enjoy their company. I know that some zoos offer a more natural habitat in their displays.
I had birds in the past, and although I think they are beautiful, I think I probably would never spend the money on one. They are so MESSY!!! I think the Scotties are much easier to care for!!!
Thank you for your thoughts!
Loved the bird photos! They do require lots of attention (You’re right about how messy they are.), but they make great companions, and having had 11 cockatiels and 2 parrakeets, I was always amazed at the differences in personality from one beastie to the other.
My husband claims the ultimate indignity is the result of having been “mooned” by our Lutino cockatiel, who then laughed at him. Wonder how truly happy son, Jeff, was at having that beast take a bath in the milk in his cereal bowl one morning….while Jeff was still trying to eat!
I love your bird pictures. I just spent the afternoon with my friend. She has a bird named George. George is a great mimic and will periodically call out Joe (the name of my friend’s husband) with perfect pitch. It is really funny to be there hearing Joe called out every way in perfect imitation of Beth!