Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 28 June 2020

Sunday Selections #487



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.

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
  
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme. This week ( just for a change you understand) I am returning to my usual birdie/garden/skyscape obsessions.

Starting with birds.  Late last week on a foggy morning I needed to go to a rarely visited towncentre to see a specialist.  We took a wrong turn and one of Belconnen's pieces of public art loomed large.  So I took a photo.


This owl has been the subject of much controversy and more than a few complaints.  Some see it as a phallic image rather than a bird...  I can see that, but enjoy the owlishness anyway.

We have been enjoying the birds at home too.  Coloured birds.




 However this week we have been focussing on a new visitor.


Their white-wings are only evident when they fly, but the red eye (which becomes brighter when they are excited) has been very evident.  They have been arriving in a flock of six and having a wonderful time rummaging through the leaf litter.  They seem happy to eat seeds, insects and I watched one having a fine time bashing a snail shell against the ground (and a tree trunk) to get at the delicacy within.





And of course the sky continues to delight me.




And just a few shots from the garden.





I do hope that this post works.  I have braved New Blogger.  It is slow, it is cumbersome but I think/hope it worked.

Last week I said that the Jazzman was not well.  Thank you to all those who asked about him.  It appears to be a flare-up of his pancreatitis.  He has antibiotics (which he resents taking) and appetite stimulants (ditto).  We bleed, he purrs.  He is mostly doing better than he was and we are in watch and wait mode.

Stay well, stay safe.

156 comments:

  1. I thought the people that thought the owl looked like a phallic symbol should get their minds out of the gutter. Then I thought, no, it's fun down here in the gutter.

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    1. Mike: Given that it is obviously some people's first point of call I am surprised that they complain about the owl - which is also known as Belconnen's penis.

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    2. I can see it from the back view. Nice.

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    3. Mike: I am glad that, so far, the calls for the owl to be removed have been in vain.

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  2. Always love your photos - even if they may be interpreted as phallic. That's art!
    I do hope Jazz starts to feel better.
    May you and yours all stay well and safe.

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    1. Myrna R: I am endlessly grateful for the public art in my city - even the pieces I don't like. I do like the owl.
      Jazz is mostly doing better which is lovely. I hope you and yours are safe and well too.

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  3. An owl <3 And those birds, fabulous, We have to go to the zoo to see such birds. I wonder if you'd find my sparrows and tits (gutter minds go home) as exotic? Those flowers too are so colourful and different. Love this look into your everyday life. Well wishes for Jazz.

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    1. ... and Oh, using New Blogger - it looks just perfect to me. Well done!

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    2. Charlotte (MotherOwl): I am sure that I would find your birds (tits included) exotic. And that I would revel in them.
      It was your explorations which (finally) prompted me to brave New Blogger. It is cumbersome and frustrating but for the moment I am staying in it (and sometimes cursing it too).

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  4. Good morning, EC...the birds, as always, are beautiful, and brighten the days.

    I've been thinking about Jazz, and hoping he is on the mend. With your loving care and attention he'll get there with flying colours, I'm sure. Special cuddles for him from me.

    Have yourself a good week...keep taking good care. :)

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    1. Lee: The birds do brighten my days. All of them. Jazz is in two steps forward and one back mode at the moment. On balance he is better, but it is a worrying time.
      I hope you and the furry overlords are healthy and happy.

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  5. What birds, they are beautiful, flowers are superb, I love them.

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  6. Looks like an owl to me.
    You always take the most amazing sky photos.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. I am often (so very often) outside with my camera at first light.

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  7. Beautiful photos! And that is a definite owl!

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    1. Kathie: Welcome and thank you. I am very glad to have another owl vote.

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  8. I love owls - thanks for sharing your photo of this one. The red-eyed birds are very interesting; I wonder if you keep a record of how many different species have visited your bird-friendly garden...
    Poor Jazz - I hope the improvement continues.
    We have a new puppy, another Jack Russell, 9 weeks old tomorrow. Manu, who is now heading rapidly towards 15, is rather bemused but seems to like the company. The pup (Louie) is high maintenance but extremely cute. Sammy the cat is most definitely NOT amused.

    Have a good week.

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    1. Alexia: I love owls too. When our lockdown eases a little more I have a gift to be redeemed at the local zoo - a one on one encounter with a Barking Owl.
      We often get at least seven or eight species of native birds visiting each day.
      A big welcome to Louie. Of course Sammy is not amused. Jazz wouldn't be either (sick or well).

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  9. Il Pappagallo mi piace moltissimo.
    Ciao EC, buona domenica.

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    1. Giancarlo: We love the feathered visitors too (all of them). Our Sunday is bright and clear. I hope yours is lovely too.

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  10. I only see owl there, my spirit animal, to see a penis would take a mind bend of some kind.

    Love the birds, love your Sunday selections.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: There are a lot of bent minds out there - but we knew that already.
      See my answer to Alexia on the owl front.

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  11. Hope Jazzman continues to improve.

    Such glorious blooms...in winter, which isn’t compatible but it is.

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    1. Marie Smith: We hope that Jazz continues to amaze the vet too. Our winter is wimpy on a world wide standard and the flowers. Flowers are welcome though.

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  12. Thanks for braving New Blogger; it get's easier and easier and easier. I like the owl, and thought it was a real bird until the words sunk in.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I hope that New Blogger does get easier - and that the blogger boffins continue to work on it. I am irritated at the moment by the extra key steps it requires.
      I like the owl too. Of course.

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  13. Are the choughs new to your garden? I wonder if they are displaced from the fires.
    Love the photos as always and your beautiful winged creatures!
    So glad to hear that Jazz is more himself. Sending virtual bandages to you.

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    1. River Fairchild: The choughs are indeed new to our garden but have been making repeat visits. Their white wings are ONLY on display when they take to the air which I will try and photograph.
      Virtual bandages are very welcome. And needed.

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  14. The new blogger worked great. I’m getting hints from Blogger to try the new format.
    I used new blogger on another blog I’m developing, and it seems to be OK. Maybe I will take the leap but not before I hear feedback from those pioneers who went before me.

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    1. Rick Watson: I am glad that I braved it - not least because at the moment Blogger is responsive to feedback. And it was Charlotte (MotherOwl) who encouraged me to take the leap.

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  15. Good to see our birds, some so colourful.
    Your skies are dramatic and as for the new blogger, you did well. I have found that part of it goes back to old blogger all by itself then to the new one - rather strange I thought.

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    1. Margaret D: I haven't found it reverting to the much more comfortable old blogger yet. It is strange though.
      I do love our birds. And the sky.

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  16. I haven’t tried the new blogger yet, I’m not very good at jumping into change. It takes me a while :) Thank you for sharing your birdie/garden/skyscape obsessions. They are big smile bringers and are always welcome. Gorgeous flowers, skies and birds. The White-winged chough is very striking with its bright red eye and black feathers. I like the owl sculpture. Last but not least I am so glad to hear that Jazzman is doing better, and hope the antibiotics work quickly.

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    1. DeniseinVA: I had been putting off the new blogger too, but other bloggers shamed me into it. I was also reluctant to be 'forced' into it by blogger itself. And thank you - on all counts.

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  17. That first sky photo looks like smoke from an oversized campfire. I hadn't known about choughs and would have assumed them to be ravens or junior crows if I saw any.
    Good to know Jazz is purring and hope he doesn't cause too much injury when being dosed. I don't even try with Lola.

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    1. River: Choughs are smaller than ravens (and bigger than magpies). The curved beak and the red eye made me realise that they were different so I started going through my bird books.
      Jazz has to have at least one tablet a day and loathes the vet so we need to do the pilling here. It is not a drama when he has his appetite and very bloody if he doesn't.

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  18. I love the owl. There should be more of them and the poor owl cannot help its shape. The choughs are interesting. I don't know them at all. I suppose the name is pronounced like cough.

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    1. Andrew: I really like the owl too and had to squint to see what the issue was. Chough is pronounced more like huff than cough. I particularly like the fact that if they are round the pigeons are not.

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  19. Somewhat to my own surprise, I saw nothing but an owl in that sculpture. Heaven forbid, maybe I'm growing out of my dirty mind. Or maybe it looks more phallic from a different angle?

    I had never heard of a chough before - they look somewhat magpie-ish to me. Thanks for the photos, and the very cool trivia that their eyes get brighter when they're excited. Now there's a useful warning sign! :-)

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    1. Diane Henders: Not only do their eyes get brighter they swell too. A dead give away. They are a little bigger than our magpies and the curved beak is different (as well as the eye colour).
      I knew about the criticism of the owl, but had to work at seeing what the problem is - though perhaps from the back it is more evident.

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  20. Dear EC
    I like the owl and had no problem thinking it was an owl. Each to his own! Your new visitors look rather lovely and will hopefully remain well behaved. Lovely flora and fauna to enjoy.
    Best wishes on Jazz's recovery.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Our new visitors are MUCH better behaved than the sulphur crested vandals who have started their destructive forays into the garden.
      Jazz is having a good day today and I do hope it continues - and thank you.

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  21. Can I just say ...I would be chuffed to have some choughs.
    (Slips quietly away...)

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    1. dinahmow: We are. And they have visited three of the last four days. I do hope they become regulars.

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  22. Lucky you to have visits from the parrots and the cloughs---- They look like ravens or crows to me. I like them.

    Lovely pictures. I hope good health returns to the jazzman, and I hope you stay safe. I've grown accustomed to your...everything!

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    1. Bill: I thought when I first saw the choughs that they were ravens. The beak and the eyes were the give away. They are a little smaller than the ravens too.
      And thank you.

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  23. What a surprise to have W W Choughs in your garden. A delight to watch. I have seen those WW Choughs I think only once. We have choughs here but only a few breeding pairs but they live high up in the hills and mountains not in gardens. Sorry to hear about Jaz but hope the recovery will be quick with the medications. My knee was improving quicker than i thought it would and within 4 days not only had abandoned a 1 crutch but 2 crutches although obviously walking a lot slower adn more carefully. Then i was VERY FOOLISH!! To much gardening and heavy gardening into the bargain and now I have set myself back at least 1 week as well as hurting my shoulder. WILL I EVER LEARN!!!! I am going to fly over to England next week to Gillian on the I.O.W with "wheelchair assistance"!!!!! How the mightily fall! Anyway back to your post. You first sky shot is stunning and the second one very threatening, look like it could rain there. Love all the flowers in your garden. Thanks for all the comments you leave. I appreciate every one. Stay safe and have a good week.

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: You don't need me to tell you that you were silly (but you were). Sadly I do similar things myself. Have fun with Gillian.
      I was thrilled to see the choughs and hope they keep coming - they certainly found plenty to eat here.

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  24. Hi EC - sorry I hadn't picked up about Jazzman ... I hope he eases this week - a challenge for one and all. Lovely colourful birds ... always gorgeous - I must get a photo of Camilla's Archie, the Amazon parrot, in the bookshop - I just need to remember to take my phone with me. Beautiful winter blooms and skies ...

    Choughs - I see they're distantly related to our beloved ones - found in Cornwall ... and at Canterbury, Kent ... fantastic to be able to see their eyes brighten ...

    I'm pleased you got lost and let us see the owl - I rather like him ... take care in the week ahead - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I would love to see a photo of Camilla's Archie and hope you do remember to take your phone.
      Jazz is doing better today but it is early days yet and he is elderly.
      I was pleased to (finally) be able to get a photo of the owl too.
      Have a safe and wonderful week.

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  25. nice to have some choughs visiting. I think they are usually more to the western side of the ranges? Are they anemones in flower? are they early? Well done on the blogger change. I was reluctant to change over too but was assured it was only to make it easier to post from devices rather than from desktop computers. I too will make the jump - thanks.

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    1. Anna: Blogger's compulsory change may be better for use with devices but it most definitely isn't for desktops. It is slow, cumbersome and counter intuitive.
      We apparently have had choughs on the northern side of the city for a while, but I haven't seen them here before.
      They are anenomes in bloom and also too early. They appear to be thriving though.

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  26. Lovely photos again and I do like art around the community, something interesting to look at when driving or walking. Your flowers are lovely too, nice and bright. The choughs are good to see too, good that they are coming into your garden. I have seen them when we have travelled interstate but not in our garden. My favourites are the lovely colourful parrots. Hope you stay well.

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    1. Rosie: Thank you. I am a big, big fan of public art - and there is a lot here.
      I do hope that the choughs (like the king parrots and the rosella) become regular visitors.

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  27. The flowers & the birds are lovely! 💛💚💛💚

    Love the first 2 photos, especially the 1st one... 😃

    Adorable to see, yup! 👏🏻

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  28. I don't see the phallus but the owl jumps out at me, quite like a Snowy Owl in some ways. Your backyard birds are nothing short of spectacular, Sue, and make me sigh a little when I think that I would have been leaving for Australia next week. On my last visit I did not see White-winged Chough, but on my first visit (to Canberra) in 1998, I saw them often, especially at the national Botanic Gardens. What an interesting species! They entertained me royally. You are very lucky to have them choose your garden to hang out for a while.

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    1. David M Gascoigne: Aren't the Botanic Gardens a joy? They now run 'Breakfast with Birds' a couple of times a year. The gardens (and the cafe) are opened up early and participants get guided walks through the gardens with experienced and knowledgeable guides. I suspect you would love these walks. The gardens are not far away from us (as the crow flies) but are blessed with birds I rarely see.
      I do hope that you can get to Australia for your delayed trip next year.

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  29. Wonderful photos! The choughs seem like a cousin of our crows at first glance, but I think hidden white wings and red eyes are very cool. Your birdlife down there always astounds me. Such vibrant colours! Love the owl too. (Some people see phallic symbols in everything) Thank you for sharing your world with me!

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    1. Dragonquillca: Those hidden white wings, the red eyes (which change size and brightness) are great aren't they? I really like their excited noises when they find something of interest too. I hope they become regulars here.

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  30. I'm not surprised the owl sculpture is causing controversy.
    I love your bird photos, especially the one being fed in the hand. It must be gratifying to feed the wild birds in the hand. Your leaf photo is lovely with all the little leaves in the background.

    I've tried new blogger interface for about a week and went back to the old one. I couldn't even find where to make a new post.

    Sorry about Jazz not being well and hope he will feel better soon.
    Enjoy the new week.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: It is an incredible privilege to be able to hand feed birds. We have a number that will come to the hand (or the seed bucket) now and we are very grateful.
      Jazz is still going up and down but we hope he is on an upward trajectory.
      And yes, New Blogger is (in my eyes) a bit of a blight.
      Happy gardening - and have a wonderful week.

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  31. Oh my goodness...I think that anything can be seen as a phallic image by those who are focused on it lol...the owl is great! Your bird photos are always wonderful to look at, I just love the colourful feathers on some of them. We don't see birds like that in our area so I'm glad to visit and see yours! Oh I'm sorry about Jazzman...my dogs had pancreatitis and the antibiotics helped them...I had to change their diets after that though, they couldn't handle too much fat. And congrats on using the new Blogger, bah, I don't like it lol...but I hate technological change. I feel forced into learning something new that I don't have the head for most of the time! It is cumbersome but I suppose we have to get used to it! I know they said Legacy will stay, but you never know when they will decide to phase it out!

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    1. Rain: Thank you. While I love our birds you see some I which would delight me. I loved the raccoons in your latest post too.
      We hope that the antibiotics will help Jazz. This bout isn't as bad as the first (about a year ago) but still worrying.
      I am getting mixed messages about legacy blogger. Sometimes we are told it will stay - and then they say it will be removed permanently at the end of next month. I do hope they keep it.

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  32. I did not see the phallic image until you pointed it out. HILARIOUS!!! I am still laughing.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: I had to look for it too - but many people didn't. They are not laughing either. Their loss.

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  33. Oh, The owl is quite interesting! I love the photos of the birds, so cute☺

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    1. Natalia: Thank you. We love the birds too. All of them.

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  34. I hope Jzzman is feeling better now. I am using the new blogger as well and it just isn't a good as the old setup at all. I love the colorful birds and the sky pictures.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: New Blogger is a bit of a blight isn't it?

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  35. I like that owl sculpture! Beuatiful sky and garden shots. Such sweet loikeets, and the white wings are quite handsome. I too am trying to navigate the new blogger, I don't like it much. I hope Jazz is getting better.

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    1. Karen: Later I hope to get a shot of the choughs with their white wings on display. Hooray for more people liking the owl.

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  36. Somehow I missed that about Jazz. I am glad he is getting better, even if he's not happy about his meds. And I like that owl. Those Choughs are very interesting birds; never heard of them before. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. I have learned that our Choughs are distantly related to the English ones, and we are enjoying their visits.

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  37. What a great article on the white winged chough. It seems they are very intelligent birds. And the line "walking with a distinctive swagger" made me smile. That's how I'd describe a crow walk, too, and they look similar although they are not in the same family according to Wikipedia. How lovely to be able to watch their behavior right there at home.

    Beautiful shots, EC. No wonder you are drawn to skies, birds, and flowers. There is always something of wonder to see, isn't there?

    I sympathize with the pilling of the Jazz cat. Our Lucy is doing well with her pills broken into quarters and encased in a soft treat-like covering. If we try to put the whole pill in the Pill Pocket, she won't take it. I hope you have similar tricks up your (shredded) sleeves.

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    1. jenny_o: They are fascinating birds aren't they. I love the family group and they seem to get on well - which is not true of many of the birds which visit.
      Pilling Jazz is relatively easy when he is eating. Sadly when the pancreatitis really flares he stops eating and drinking and the pills have to be forced down his unwilling throat. It is my arms/hands he shreds - which I suppose has the benefit that they repair (unlike sleeves).

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  38. Purrayers and POTP to the Jazzman !

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    1. catladymac: Welcome and thank you. Jazz is grateful for the support too. Do you have a blog where I can find you?

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  39. Hello, I haven't been here in a while but, I always enjoy your photos especially the birds.

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    1. Truedessa: You are more than welcome whenever you come by. I hope you are safe and well.

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  40. I thought the owl was an elephant's trunk at first! With those two big black eyes, I don't think the phallic interpretation is particularly valid. But then again I live in the U.S. where the Washington Monument is called phallic just because it's long and slender.

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    1. John Wiswell: I suspect some of the things which get the phallic label show wistful thinking, since the objects in question are permanently erect.

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  41. Always a joy to see your birds and flowers.
    But oh those three sky photographs are wonderful.

    All the best Jan

    PS I do hope Jazz starts to feel better soon.

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. At the moment the sky is grey - but no doubt that will change. Jazz is having a reasonable morning (after a rocky start). Hopefully it will continue.

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  42. No, I didn't see an owl at first.:) I understand the controversy. Those birds are just gorgeous. The flowers are doing well and the sky... well it never disappoints ...

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    1. Caterina: Lots of our public art causes controversy. I am glad this piece remains. Very glad.

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  43. Glad to hear Jazz is in recovery mode. Looks like an owl to me...I can't see anything else in it.

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    1. only slightly confused: As I typed your blog name I thought (again) that I am very confused indeed. I too see and owl and hope that Jazz continues to improve.

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  44. I love the owl. Favorite Young Man and I see nothing phallic about him . . . or her. Balconnen? I haven't heard that name before.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: Good. I am a big fan of the owl (and perhaps because of those who object to it) have always seen him as male. Belconnen is a town centre on the opposite side of my city.

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    2. Ah, thank you. Sorry I speled it rong.

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    3. Janie Junebug: Not a problem. My fingers are frequently dyslexic too.

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  45. I see a stylized-looking owl. (Color me boring. :D)

    The colored birds will always get an 'Ohhhh! Ahhh!' from me, E.C. -red-eyed birds as well.

    I've enjoyed the photos per usual. Thank you for posting them.

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    1. Bea: Not boring at all. And I love all of our birds. As I always do, even when they (sulphur crested vandals) are in destructo mode.

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  46. Olá minha querida!
    É a vida a acontecer!
    Lindo fotografar!
    Adoro passarinhos!
    Um florido abracinho!☀️💐☀️
    Megy Maia🌈

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  47. I love to watch the birds. We do not have the colorful birds like this around here. Mosty Pigeons, Wrens, Hawks and Robins. We rarely see an owl but when we do, It’s usually a small barn owl.
    I have been using the new blogger for a while now. Trying to get used to it.
    Lisa

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    1. Lisa: I very rarely see an owl either (other than the statue). I also love to bird watch.
      I have stayed with new blogger too, because like you I am trying to get used to it. I am not a fan though.

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  48. The white-winged choughs look interesting with that red eye and the long beak. I can see how they would bang a snail shell to get it open. I do like the owl art very much - there are always people who complain.
    Is the New Blogger very different? I haven't tried it yet and am very hesitant to do so.

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    1. Carola Bartz: I like the choughs and hope they return and become regulars. Watching the snail being bashed was fascinating, particularly when the bird deliberately carried it over to a nearby tree and bashed it against the trunk.
      I find new blogger slower, cumbersome and much less intuitive. It is apparently designed to be better for those using phones and other devices rather than desk top computers.

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  49. I like the owl in its whiteness, just a simple piece of art, no frills but to the point. The big black eyes are staring and I can imagine it watching out for every one. The white winged choughs are very much like our Asian glossy starlings with their bright red eyes, except our starlings have glossy metallic green feathers. Hope Jazzman gets better.

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    1. kestrel: The choughs are bigger than our starlings, but I love them. As I do the owl.
      Jazz has had quite a good day - which is lovely. Thank you.

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  50. I always love your beautiful colored bird posts. Not sure what to say about the owl so I will say that it is interesting and leave it at that.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. I detect that you are not an owl statue fan - which is fine.

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  51. I started thinking it would be a very odd looking phallus. And then I thought maybe not so odd looking. It looked like an owl until you told me otherwise :)

    I hope the specialist visit went well

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    1. kylie: I firmly think of it as an owl. The specialist visit was mostly positive and he doesn't want to see me for a while which is lovely. He does insist on me having another MRI though (not lovely).

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  52. The phallic owl is so playful and fun. I love all your other bird photos as well. Hope Jazz feels better soon.

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    1. Kalpana: I am glad you enjoyed my birdy focussed post. Jazz has had a better day today and I am hopeful.

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  53. I tried to see the phallus but could only see the owl :) maybe the back view would live up to that reputation? Great skysnaps and birds as usual. Hope Jazz is better.

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    1. Nilanjana: I suspect the back view is more phallic but we were running late and didn't stop. Jazz, as I have said in other comments, is having a better day. Yay.

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  54. El pájaro de colores, se ve muy bien domesticados. en cuanto a los silvestres, han encontrado en ese lugar lo que necesitan y más de una vez acudirán ahí.

    Se hace notar los cielos que has captado y que has puesto en las últimas fotos, así como las bellas flores que has puesto como cierre final

    Te deseo que tengas una buena semana.

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    1. VENTATA DE FOTO: Thank you. The king parrot shown here eating my my partner's hand is still wild - but trusts us, which is an incredible privilege.
      I hope that your week is truly lovely.

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  55. Great sky photos as usual.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: Thank you. Skyscapes are an ongoing obsession. Dawn is not far away here - and I am already looking out the windows to see what it will look like.

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  56. Those are interesting red eyed birds. I like that you can hand feed some of your colorful ones. As for that owl......hmmm, I didn't see it at first and thought, what in the world. Not sure I'd want to pass that daily. Pancreatitis is painful, for people and animals. Hoping he recovers fully.

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    1. Strayer: We are thrilled that so many of the birds who visit us show us trust. I like the choughs too and Belconnen's owl.
      Jazz is in the two steps forward one back stage but we are hopeful.

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  57. I am always amazed at your birds photos. You have such wonderful closeups. But I can't help it, the sky photos are always my favorite. So beautiful and peaceful. Have a great week my friend, be safe.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you for your kind words about my continuing obsessions. I hope your week is safe, happy and book filled.

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  58. Hope Jazzman feels better!
    Love the photos - I've never heard the bit about owls and phallic symbols before!! Too funny.
    You have the most colourful birds - so pretty!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: I don't think that all owls are considered phallic symbols but this statue certainly is.
      Jazz had a pretty good day yesterday - which I hope continues.
      I hope your book launch is HUGELY successful.

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  59. I've done very little picture taking lately. Mostly my abode as I accomplish one task after the other. It's slow going, but it's wonderful that it's going. I so enjoy your pictures, birds, sky and flowers always a favorite. And yes, I have thousands of beach pictures taking up space. Anytime the clouds and colors are interesting. One day I will join in on the fun.

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    1. Yolanda Renee: If I lived near the beach I too would have thousands of photos. And photos of clouds over the ocean, of sunrise and sunset over the ocean...
      I do hope that you can join Sunday Selections some day. You would be very, very welcome.
      And hooray for finishing tasks. Which is not really happening here.

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  60. Interesting about the owl and phallic symbol. I see the owl for sure- it seems the dominant symbol to me. But- who knows. :)

    Love the photos of the birds, sky, flowers, and leaves (super cool shot). Wow- those White-winged choughs are stunning. Thanks for sharing!

    Wishing you a great week. Hope Jazz feels better. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Thank you. The owl dominates for me too (of course).
      And thank you. I hope your week is safe and well.

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  61. Did not see the phallic shape till you mentioned it.
    Beautiful bird, sky, flower photos.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: I am glad you saw the owl rather than the phallus. And thank you.

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  62. I seem to see phallic shapes in nature, Sue. The owl is okay.

    Your flowers are so lovely. But the real question is: Where are my corellas?

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    1. Susan Kane: Your corellas are where they always are - though on our way to do the grocery shopping this morning we saw a flock which had well over a hundred of them. I thought of you.

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  63. Your birds bring me joy.
    Yes, new blogger is slow and cumbersome. I wonder why they put all that time and effort into a questionable improvement.
    Wishing you rainbows and another day of birds eating out of your hand.

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    1. Sandra Cox: The birds bring us joy too. Each and every day.
      At the moment I would class New Blogger as a retrograde test.
      Thank you for the wishes. I hope your day is filled with joy and wonder too.

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  64. Lovely shots of your feathered friends. That owl looks like an owl to me. :-)

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. I see an owl too, and have to squint to see what others apparently see so readily.

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  65. The flower in the third picture from the bottom looks like the aliens have landed! I like the owl, and anyone who thinks he represents anything other than an owl probably has their mind in the gutter. as they say.

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    1. Shammickite: I am a big fan of the grevilleas and have several. Many birds delight in them too. Sadly it seems that the gutters in my city are crammed with people's minds.

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  66. Birds, sky, garden.

    Essential elements of living well.

    Thank you for sharing, EC.

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you. They are certainly fundamental to my life.

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  67. WOW, I really like that owl sculpture...it is so striking!
    And how amazing to see that bird feeding from your hand!! It must be so tame...I have always wished I could feed a bird from my hand like that. Gosh, you are so lucky!!😊😊
    I realise I have said this before, but you have such stunning birds in Australia...all those gorgeous colours!!! WOW!!
    And the sky photos...well, absolutely enchanting!!!
    Altogether a fabulous post...oh thank you so, so much!😊😊

    Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: There are a number of birds who now eat from our hands or from the seed bucket. We are so very privileged - and grateful.
      Huge thanks.
      Take care and stay safe. You are precious to me, and to many, many others.

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  68. I only saw that owl as a bird!(lol) Thanks for the soothing pictures this mid-week. Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: We all need happy and beautiful don't we? And need them more than ever now. Stay safe. Please.

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  69. How i do love seeing your photos, and i am very late to the party but still trying to catch up!

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    1. messymimi: Thank you - and you have no need to catch up - though I appreciate it. You have been busy. You are busy.

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  70. Those cloughs look like my grackles, my least favorite bird as they quickly strip everything bare but love your parrots. An owl looking like a penis? First for me. Our neighboring city has a very phallic water tower known as the Ypsilanti prick. No calls for its removal. It is very old.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: I really like the choughs and we are welcoming them as they become regulars. They are MUCH less destructive than the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos who destroy the garden and sometimes attack the house as well.

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  71. Wouw... that's really beautiful birds pictures..👌
    All your pictures are fantastic.👍

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    1. Justcherry: Many thanks. I am bird obsessed and take A LOT of photos of them.

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  72. L: Dear Laurie, I am thrilled to see you back in the blogosphere. Take care.

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  73. As Laurie says, thank you for bringing so much joy.

    Every time I come here, I feel such peace.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you so much. I am always glad to share beauty and peace.

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  74. And yes...that owl...such a rude bird haha...

    :-D

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): And so beautiful in his rudeness...

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