Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Wildlife Wednesday

I have amazing wildlife in my backyard, so I thought I'd share them with you every Wednesday (when I remember, of course!).


My favourites, and a festive treat, are the King Parrots. They are wild birds but we put out sunflower seeds and some of them have become quite friendly.
A male and two female King Parrots feeding
The male has the brilliant red face and chest, with the dark green wings (speckled with lime and turquoise and dark blue). The female has the green face and chest, with the red low down on belly and tail. The juveniles have the speckled colour of this lone bird, and this one will become the brilliant red of the males.

They aren't here all year but they come at Christmas time to raise their young. In a few weeks I'll be cursing them as the babies squawk constantly with an ear-piercing shrill.

I think we're lucky to have them come and visit. This is the first place I've lived in with King Parrots in residence. King Parrots need hollows for nests and the huge old gums near us must be good homes.

2 comments:

  1. Gorgeous. I adore King Parrots. We have masses of Rainbow Lorikeets which are pretty but very noisy as well.

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  2. We have Lorikeets as well, Lou. Mr Ellink spends ages chasing them away so he can only feed the King Parrots! Preferential treatment. When I chuck seed out, it's a free-for-all.

    Cate xo

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