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May 2009
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Saturday 10th May Release |
Harry had been in the new aviary since April 29th but today we decided he was ready for out. He was starting to exhibit stereotypic circling - bouncing from perch to perch in a repetitive pattern - a sure sign of stress in a caged wild bird or animal. His first flight out was a little unsteady and we thought for a while that we had let him go too soon. But he quickly picked up and flew into one of the taller trees, posing long enough for me to get these shots (thank you!) before heading for the hills. |
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April 2009
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Thursday 23 April New Arrival |
The Forestry Department delivered an aricari this evening. He was mobile, had full wing movement but was unable to gain any height. He bore a flesh wound to the breast bone and may have been injured by a stone from a sling-shot. We gave him antibiotics and he has been enjoying a mixed diet of mostly fruit with egg and chicken. He is eating healthily but is extremely ticked off at being caged. The new aviary is nearing completion and Harry will be our first visitor (closely followed by Pinky & Perky) |
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Tuesday 21st April New Arrival |
Paddington arrived today. An anonymous donor sent this one-year old red lored for rehab. He bore the usualscars : clipped but regrowing, poorly conditioned feathers, dirty, skinny, and missing a toe (surprisingly common). He too could make great leaps with his newly appearing feathers and he loved food. Any food. Adequately equipped with all the necessary skills: flight, dexterity and attitude, he was straight into the aviary where he soon won his place in the pecking order. The shot of him fighting with Michael was taken about 30 seconds after him woo-hooing with Iran. After an hour or two everyone settled down, and now Paddington comes to greet us every feed time before dashing back off to annoy another bird. |
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| Friday 17 April |
Bi Bi & Como disappeared rapidly into the upper reaches of the aviary. Parrots are not renown for their gratitude, and there goes living proof. We didn't even have time to get the camera out. | |
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Thursday 16 April New Arrival |
The second bird arrived today. Although we were lead to belive the two of them were inseparable 'amigos' instead of a joyous reunion we were treated to a few squawks of consternation from Bi Bi at the invasion of her new home. Whereas Bi Bi is only around 4 months old, the other bird is at least a year old, showing classic signs of first-year regrowth following a radical clip as a baby. They tolerated each other's company but Bi Bi and 'Como' (after Perry Como, thanks again Lea) were little more than victims of circumstance. Como's regrowth meant he was able to perform giant leaps across the living room. That was enough - quick dose of medicine and off to the aviary for them both tomorrow. |
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Wednesday 15 April New arrival |
One of our workers persuaded a friend of his to give up their red lored. It was this year's baby, born very early in the season in January. It was totally weaned and comfortable with solid foods - tucking into everything we could throw at it. It had also been very badly clipped straight across both wings, exposing the baby down beneath. Despite this handicap, a controlled plummet was possible so he was a good candidate for the large aviary. We asked a visitor to name him: thanks to Lea for the monica 'Bi Bi' (pronounced bee-bee) in honour of her friend's recently departed dog. Later that same day our worker informed us that the bird had a 'friend' and would we take this one too. Of course we would! So Bi Bi had a day for reprieve before heading for the great outdoors. |
 Bi Bi with his clipped wings |
| Thursday 9th April |
Kleitjie turned up today showing classic symptoms of lice or mite infestation. She was far too wary of us to be caught, but obviously in distress. We put ivermectin into her drinking water (5 drops to 1 litre solution) and also sprayed her from a distance with a weak solution: a tricky operation as we did not want her to be scared away for good. She stayed around for several days receiving this treatment, and on the 5th day, for the first time since she arrived, she took off with the other two on their morning jaunt. We spotted her and Mr P a couple of days later, although she was too high in the sky to see if her condition had improved. It was very gratifying to have her return in her time of need. These are smart birds! |