Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 3 August 2014

Sunday Selections #183

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.

Like River I usually run with a theme.  We have had a couple of chilly days here, and yesterday I woke up to a dusting of snow on the nearby hills .  For some reason the snow was on the lower nearby hills -and not higher and further back.  Which is unusual.  Today we are expecting a minus 5 C start.  The cats will not be happy chappies.


The second photo is ice on the letter box.  I loved the crystals gleaming in the sun.


But the bliss of the week has come from the birds.  About mid week a pair of King parrots were peering in through the window making it very clear that they wanted sustenance.  It was still relatively early and his high and skinniness wasn't dressed - but I didn't care.  In my capacity as hard-hearted Hannah I sent him outside with a handful of food so I could take photos.  The female King Parrot (who is an empress at least) is the one with the green head.





And then I allowed the smaller portion to go inside to thaw warm up, while I took a few more photos.

Since then they have been back several many times.  We have both fed them - with smiles plastered all over our faces.










 To add to the birdie bliss, most days this week the Eastern Rosellas have been visiting us too.  And I have been doing happy dances.



 

120 comments:

  1. What a day brightener those birds are? In a park near my son's, chickadees and downy woody peckers will eat out of our hands in the winter, which always thrills me but most birds are wary. Hummingbirds will come up to inches from me but if I make a move, off they go.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: They do indeed brighten each and every day. And I spend a LOT of time watching them. And marvelling at them.
      Hummingbirds? Chickadees? Downy woody peckers? Wow. Photos please. Lots and lots of photos.

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  2. I would smile and dance a happy dance too if I had visitors like this. How beautiful they are. What incredible colors. I do envy your visitors but not your climate. Brrrrrrr.

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    1. Myrna R.: Most of our climate is hot. I revel in the cooler months - and we are lucky and get birds all year round.

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  3. Those are such beautiful, colorful birdies. And so tame to actually eat from your hands!

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    1. The Furries of Whisppy: They are beautiful. And free. It is such an honour that they trust us enough to eat from our hands.

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  4. Oh, I would have been smiling, too. They are just beautiful creatures, and all your brightly colored birds made me smile and smile this morning. Your blue picture of frost crystals looks like the earth from space (to me). :-)

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    1. DJan: You are right - the ice photo does look like earth from space. Thank you for making the connection for me.

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  5. OMG ... they eat out of your hands ... how absolutely awesome! I would love to do that with my birds, but here if they lose their fear of man, they are really no longer safe. Not everyone is a bird lover if you get my gist. Do the Rosellas eat from your hand as well? I don't think I have ever seen that you were able to do this on any ealier post ... I am excited for you. And who cares if SP was outside in his jammies, it was worth it :) What fun and joy ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: This pair will eat from our hands - but none of the others. We get other King Parrots visiting too. I am happy for what we get, and the trust of this pair is an extra bonus.

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  6. I would be smiling too- what lovely visitors!

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    1. Terri @ Backwards B Ranch: The very best visitors. Always welcome.

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  7. Beautiful birds - ours in NZ are very dull in comparison and very shy.

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    1. lynners: Most of our birds are much, much shyer than this pair. I would love to see some of your birds - particularly the kea. More intelligent and more destructive than even our sulphur-crested cockies.

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  8. I would be doing happy dances right next to you! Beautiful!!!

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    1. Teresa: And yet people in the street just walk on/drive on by...

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  9. Oh my! What an honour it must have been to have those 'magnificent' birds eating right out of your hand ... literally :)

    Bird bliss is right!

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    1. Wendi: You are exactly right. An honour, and a privilege.

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  10. How comfortable the beautiful Kingies are in your presence...that's great to see. It always makes me feel good when birds have such trust. My feather friends here are very trusting with me, too...they soon learn when they're amongst humans who won't do the harm. I smile when I see the kookaburras, magpies, butcher birds and my two cats eye-balling each
    other separated only by the screen door, their beaks and noses about an inch apart. I'm sure they have their own secret language and have their chats.

    The rosellas are stunning fellas, too!

    I hope you and the Skinny One have a good week, EC...keep warm! :)

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    1. Lee: The male is particularly trusting. Sitting on our hands with his back to us blows me away. We have a lot of birds that visit regularly, and very obviously know we mean them no harm, but this is special. So very special.
      A good week to you and the furry overlords too.

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  11. That is so wild they eat from your husband's hand. But gave you the opportunity for some amazing shots.
    I just never think of snow and parrots mixing.

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    1. Sorry, exotic birds. Or are they part of the parrot family?

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    2. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Kylie is right - parrots they are. Beautiful ones. And they seem to revel (as I do) in our winter.

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  12. wow! wow! wow!
    lucky you. those little interludes make the difference between life and existence

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    1. kylie: Yes. And given any choice in the matter I will always choose life. And life with these charmers is a delight.

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  13. I can't believe the colouring of the eastern rosellas. They are just wonderful. Did the King parrots finish the apple or the rosellas?

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    1. Andrew: The eastern rosellas are amazing aren't they? And I think it was the cockatoos that finished that apple. Quite a lot of birds are very, very partial to apple. The wattle birds, the cockies, the crimson rosellas, the easterns, the kings, some of the corellas, currawongs...

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  14. Your birds are SO beautiful...I can't image the beauty you see each day. They ate out of his hand!!! Gosh. And they let you know they were hungry. How you must enjoy them. Hard to imagine such bright birds in the cold.

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    1. Bookie: They out of his hand, and on other days out of both of our hands. And we marvel. And welcome them. And rather a lot of other superlatives.

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  15. Wonderful, EC! Smiles, much bliss and happy dances!
    So good that your beautiful birdie visitors have supplement feed in these cold months, to warm them inside. And, they reward you with their colourful presence in gratitude, year 'round :)

    It has been similar here. There was snow just further up the road, on our mountain the day before yesterday, and super frosty mornings.

    Thanks to your dear SP, for braving the cold in his robe to feed these beauties - but it was well worth it!
    So happy you both share the love :)

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    1. Vicki: Even though he is not an early riser he does love the birds. A lot. And feeding them by hand is a privilege.
      Chilly here again this morning - and I expect your way, but bright and beautiful.

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  16. Gorgeous, gorgeous birds! And they eat right out of your hand? Wow!
    I would imagine the cats are curled up in a blanket to watch the show outside. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: Jewel is curled up on her penguin under a heater duct, and Jazz draped across the back of a chair. They demand out in the morning - and stay out less than half an hour. Though they would like us to bring the birds in to them.

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  17. Great summer pictures! I thought I was early, since it's still Saturday, August 2nd here in Tennessee, but you have a TON of comments!

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    1. Stephanie Faris: I am lucky aren't I? And my 'summer pictures' were taken in the middle of our (fairly pathetic on a global scale) winter.

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  18. I really do envy you. Having any of these beautiful birds visit our garden would make my day, I may even do a happy dance as well. Even if it isn't that cool!!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Fortunately I am not cool - and have nothing to lose by doing a happy dance (except my balance). Mind you, my partner's happy dance is entirely internal.

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  19. Love the parrots - the Rainbow Lorikeets were visiting here this morning.

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    1. J Cosmo Newbery: We rarely get Rainbow Lorikeets - but welcome them too.

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  20. Wow! Spectacular birds to be hand feeding! It will be months here before I see the beauty of ice, thanks for sharing.

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    1. Karen: Early signs suggest that our summer will be early - so perhaps your winter will be too.

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  21. That's amazing, and heartwarming. Smart birds, to know where they are safe and admired :)

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    1. jenny_o: I really don't know where the term 'bird-brained' comes from. Birds show considerable judgement and memory - and I love that they know we won't hurt them. And that they come back year after year.

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  22. How wonderful that they will let you hand-feed them. What a privilege! You would certainly have been grinning from ear to ear. Their beautiful colours, and those of the rosellas, would make up for the coldest day!

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    1. Alexia: Huge smiles were the order of the day.

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  23. So, so beautiful! We are very lucky to live with such feathered glory!

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    1. Carol: Feathered enchantment - though I also have a big fondness for many of the less 'dramatic' birds.

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  24. "Ice! ......Cold and snow and Ice!" (Sanka in "Cool Runnings" one of my favourite movies)
    "Looking in the window demanding sustenance" made me giggle and I LOVE the photos of them eating from your hands.

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    1. River: They were remarkably clear about what they wanted. And himself had barely set foot on the veranda when they were on his outstretched arms.

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  25. My ex has a balcony with trees right across the front, close enough for him to reach (he's on the third floor) so I told him about putting green apples in the trees for the rainbow lorikeets. They already spend a lot of time in those trees, but apples might bring them closer to his balcony.

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    1. River: I hope they do. Though I don't know whether rainbow lorikeets eat apple. The cockies do, and the galahs don't. I also don't know why green apple is better than red - but it does seem to be.

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  26. The rainbow lorikeets get into other unripe fruits, dates, loquats, apricots and peaches, so maybe they'll try apple. Or maybe L will get a few cockies visiting.

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    1. River: It sounds as if he will be a winner whichever birds visit him.

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  27. A cacophony of the voices, I love 'em.

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  28. What a lovely place where you live...hard to imagine cold as we are in summer...although our summer is probably your winter in temps....and parrots, what a treat to see them...I will remember this meme for the future!

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: I do hope you will join in the Sunday Selections meme - the more the merrier. I am seeing summer on your side of the world - and grateful for my winter. Very grateful.

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  29. What a spectacular gift from the universe...the trust of another species.

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    1. Delores: It is indeed a spectacular gift - and I love the wrapping too.

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  30. It is far too delightful for my imagination to think you were able to get that up-close-and-personal with the birds. Envy you!

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    1. Grannie Annie: It is magic. Rare magic - but appreciated (to the max) each and every time.

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  31. You hand feed the parrots, that is bliss, wonderful, must feel great! I am in love with your colorful eastern rosellas! They are fabulous!

    Ice crystals on your post box, oh my. Makes winter here flash back into my brain, reminds me it shall return.

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    1. Strayer: I like winter - and would happily keep it here. With the King Parrots and the Eastern rosellas.

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  32. The Eastern Rosella is the most beautiful bird i have ever seen! Wow!

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    1. Birdie: They are quite a small bird (think budgie on steroids), and a shy bird - but so very, very beautiful. And, unlike rather a lot of our birds, they have pleasant voices too.

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  33. Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler. Most definitely. With some oooh and aaaah thrown in.

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  34. The ice on the icebox could be used as a great background! So pretty. And the birds are awesome!

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    1. Furry Bottoms: The ice was back this morning, though the snow has gone. And rather a lot of birdie visitors were also back.

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  35. Hmm. Blogger has yet again eaten my comment! It's wonderful that such wild beauties are visiting you and the skinny one ;) that's the gist of what I wrote... I hope it goes through this time!

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    1. Raquel Somatra: Blogger really makes you work to comment doesn't it? Thank you. And yes, it is lovely to see the birds. Always.

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  36. Sue,
    you. live. in. Paradise.
    I cannot believe those parrots allow you to feed them. R U serious?
    Love flowing to you now and always. kiss your panthers for me. xxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: They do. They really, really do - and I love it. They don't come every day - but are more than welcome whenever they appear.
      Hugs. Panthers duly kissed - and both purred back to you.

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  37. Your visitors are absolute beauties.

    All we get are lbj. (little brown jobs)

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    1. Friko: Our lbjs are more often bwjs (big white jobs). And are welcome. As are the birds of colour.

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  38. EC this post truly warmed my heart and brought back many memories. I miss snow dustings!! And I miss my regular visiting King Parrots! The snow from my time in Tas and the King Parrots from my time in the Hunter Valley. They are my favourite parrot of all, lucky you!!
    Enjoy the new week EC.

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: The dustings and the King Parrots are both a delight aren't they? And I am glad to have brought back happy memories.

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  39. You are so fortunate to have such wonderful visitors to your garden. Your eastern rosellas are more colourful than ours over here.
    We have been having cold mornings too (down to 4º and below) but not sure I'd enjoy -5º, I know Phil wouldn't and certainly not if I sent him outside for any reason).
    Thanks once again for sharing so much beauty with us.

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    1. Mimsie: It was warmer than minus 5 when I sent the skinny one outside. At least a bit. And it wasn't for long. Really.
      And he did love feeding the Kings...

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  40. I will trade you a groundhog for any pretty bird.

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    1. Practical Parsimony: Now there's an offer. And my greedy self wants both...
      I am fascinated by your groundhogs though. And your squirrels. And deer. You can keep the rats though.

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  41. You as Hardhearted Hannah? Bit of a stretch innit?
    I think I'd be in seventh heaven to have them eating from my hand...if it would stay still long enough, lol.

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    1. Jacquelineand...: When I suggested that the skinny one went outside to stand on the veranda it was just over zero degrees. He knows that I can be a sloooooow photographer so, yes, there was an element of hard heartedness. He loved feeding the birds though. And they are anxious to be fed. A win for all of us.

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  42. I would be in birdie bliss if these delightful birds peered through my window for sustenance. Marvelous photos of the sweet things. Loved those first two photos also. Someone sent me a photo of two kangaroos absolutely covered in snow. What an amazing sight! But then so are your birds :)

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    1. DeniseinVA: We are in birdie bliss. Often. And often. And I love our kangas too - in the snow or in the sun. They are particularly fond of the beach...

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  43. Oh my gosh I am just so amazed at the beautiful birds you have visiting you! I've never heard of Rosellas before. Their colors are simply amazing. I love getting to see these beauties thanks to your pics. :)

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    1. Julie Flanders: We have quite a number of different rosellas - and they are all feathered enchantment.

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  44. I'm shocked by how friendly they are, and so ready for warmth. It made for amazing photos. That would definitely be the highlight of my week (maybe even month/year) too.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: This pair of King parrots is particularly friendly. Their arrival brightens the darkest day - and mood. An apple or six, and a ton of birdseed is a very cheap price to pay for the magic.

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  45. They are just magnificent! And I love that they fly freely where you live.

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    1. Lynn: We love their freedom too. It makes their visits even more special. An honour and a privilege.

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  46. Lovely parrot! I will always love parrots! And I got something for you at the cave. I hope you like. :)

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    1. Al Diaz: I love them too. And I LOVE the gift at your cave. Thank you so very much.

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  47. How awesome the King Parrots eat from your hands! They took a chunk out of that apple, too. I love your beautiful birds :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: It is another day, frosty and relatively early. And we have had EIGHT King Parrots this morning. Two (at least) ate from my hand, and today's apple is nearly gone. Bliss.

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  48. Hubs is a birder and would love these shots. Will have to remember to show him when possible. That Eastern Rosella is fantastic with all that coloring. My hubs is doing much better (I answered you at my blog too) and as a result, my appetite has returned, and I don't cry every day. That was draining. . .
    I like that you could feed them out of your hand. They (the birds) know who to trust.

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    1. D.G. Hudson: I am very glad your husband (and you) are doing better. It is indeed very, very draining...
      We like being able to hand feed them too - and like even better that they are free.

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  49. Sorry, for some reason this didn't appear in my reader feed. Amazing pictures! I'm impressed that they let you guys come so close, too.

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    1. Riot Kitty: This particular pair approach us, rather than the other way round. If we step on the veranda while they are around, they are there.

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  50. Wow - those parrots don't seem scared of humans. Fabulous shots!

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    1. ladyfi: That pair is definitely not scared of humans - or not us anyway. Which is lovely. And fascinating because as a breed King Parrots are flighty and low on the pecking order.

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  51. What fabulous birds! Hereabouts I am over the moon at seeing bright yellow goldfinches at our bird bath this past week after not having seen any for more than ten years.

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    1. rhymeswithplague: I would be over the moon at seeing goldfinches too. And, how wonderful that they are coming back to visit you again.

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  52. Hmm, my comment seems to have disappeared... how cool to have parrots and pretty birds visit you. That does sound very cold. My kitties hate the cold.

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    1. M Pax: Jazz n jewel aren't fans of the cold either. But have rather a lot of warm sanctuaries. All of which have a patina of black fur.

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  53. Big props to your guy for getting up to feed them so you could get these pictures. It was totally worth it, those birds are gorgeous!

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    1. mail4rosey: They are gorgeous - and it did enjoy feeding them too. Though not the cold.

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  54. I want to do a happy dance just seeing the photos. How they fed from your hands! That was awesome.

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    1. Susan Kane: And it is an almost daily occurrence at the moment. Joy and bliss.

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  55. This morning I noticed 'G Toms face was showing scratch marks and blood, shortly after saw deceased Lorikeet. G Tom fled when I pushed the bird up to his face, "Lesson learned maybe!.'

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    1. Vest: I hope he has learnt his lesson - but some cats are very, very determined.

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  56. What glorious birds and how lovely to have them feed from your hands.

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    1. jabblog: Welcome - and yes, it is wonderful to have them feed from our hands. And wonderful just to have them visit.

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  57. Talking birds, all I can say is: you are a lucky duckie to have such wonderfully colourful parrots for friends. Our rosellas are much tame(colour wise, that is) and king parrots don't come that far south at all.

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    1. Arija: We are indeed lucky - though you get birds that I rarely see. Hand feeding the kings is a treat. And they are bringing their family too. The adolescents are still too wary - but I have hopes.

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