Parity: 10 things I love!

Yesterday's 10 things I hate meme was a bit of a bring down. Hate is like that. It did bring one thing into sharp focus for me; Id like to keep the tone here as light as possible. So, take a deep cleansing breath, and together we release the past. See the past as a dark cloud floating farther and farther away....aaahhh, thats better!

Today - 10 things I Love!

1) The Most DH. No, you dont need to go and get a bucket now, I will stop right here.

2) My Birds, of course! Hardly a surprise.

3) My two kitty cats, Aurora & Priapus. They are really great buddies, especially on these cold winter nights. But there are other perks as well. When I arrive home, at least one of them will greet me at the door with a purr. Or when Im unwell or feeling blue, they take turns sitting with me till Im better. Oh sure, sometimes they ignore me with a vengance, but they are cats! Thats just part of who they are.

4) The ever-expanding gardens. Im not big on grass, each summer more grassy lawn is turned into garden beds. DH loves having less to mow each year.

5) While most of the garden is given to native flowers and shrubs (to feed the wild birds, of course!) we do keep a small veggie patch. One of my greatest veggie gardening loves is the tomato. And the best way to eat a home grown tomato, is while its still warm from the sun. Try that yourself next summer.

6) The sound of a breeze through leaves.

7) That special orangey-pink colour of light that comes late on a rainy day, when the sun slips below the clouds on the horizon.

8) Coffee!

9) Finding the good in a bad situation. This sometimes requires a twisted sense of humour.

10) The Exclamation Point! I must really love the exclamation point, as I use it far too much! Bad punctuation habit! Egads!

Why not share something you love in the comments?

10 things I hate

Ive been tagged again, this time for the 10 things I hate meme by Nick of Anything Goes!

I grumble alot, so this should be a piece of cake for me.

1) Slugs and Snails in the garden. Where did that blue tounge lizard go that used to keep these blighters in check? Is he coming back this spring? Or do I break down and buy some slug bait?

2) Nightly news & current affairs tv shows. Distressing, depressing, disgusting. Which reminds me. When I took journalisim in high school, they said you only report the facts: Who, What, Where, When & Why, and keep your own opinion out of it. I wonder how they teach it now?

3) Businesses with no customer service. Today marks two weeks Ive been waiting for an email from Fiskars Australia regarding replacement blades for my secateurs. TWO WEEKS and I still dont have an answer, or a hope of one. Three hardware stores couldnt tell me if Fiskars sells replacement blades. Fiskars says they do, but have to send me a code to take with me back to the hardware store, so they can order them from Fiskars. What a load of - used food! (All sorted out, Thank You Fiskars!)

4) Days when the numbness in my hands extends up my arms. I call them "flipper" days. Imagine a seal trying to make a cup of coffee, or answer emails. I am learning to handle frustration, its a humbling experience.

5) Idiots who set off fireworks in the night. It sends my birds into a panic. They take off at full speed and crash into the aviary wire. Usually they are killed instantly from injuries to thier skulls. Last night a hen broke a wing, and we are waiting for it to be time to go to the vet to have her put down. So will pass ChickChick, and for what good reason? None.

6) Teenagers who end every sentence with " but ".

7) The Australian Labour Party.

8) Doctors who make you wait an hour past your appointment time, and then rush you out like a leper.

9) Television commercials for feminine hygiene products. And shampoo. And, oh bother! TV commercials in general!

10) Tagging other people for memes! The link is always nice, but I always feel like Im sending a chain letter or something...let me know if you like being tagged!


Pictured budgie is ChickChick, from a happier moment last month.

Budgie Sunday - Meet Baiter

Baiter is my other 'old timer', he is eleven years old. Thats just two years younger than Gandalf. Both these birds came to me from the same exhibition breeder, who was retiring them from his stud. I did hope that they would contribute thier genes to my breeding program, but it wasnt required of them - which is good as neither has!

He is a very handsome Opaline Sky Blue. Youre probally wondering what kind of name is "Baiter", well, where as Gandalf was just not interested in breeding full stop, Baiter is into ummmm, to put it as nicely as I can, Baiter is into 'self-loving.' Thus he was named Master (Mstr., not Mr.) Baiter, Baiter for short. Perhaps he is confused, or has some sort of germ phobia, or maybe he has intimacy issues, I dont know. But he enjoys taking care of his own needs with perches or toys. To each thier own, right?

When I visit the aviary, I am always greeted by several of my birds. Many like to ride on my head, its the grandest hat anyone could ever want to wear. Some like to just have the ride as I move about doing my aviary chores, some like to try to preen what must seem to them some very strange feathers. But when Baiter gets on my head, I have to admitt I gently shift him off. When Baiter 'sits' on my head, its, well, its just a little creepy. Ewwww.



As you get to know a group of birds as I have mine, you can easily see that they all have thier own personalities. Good points, shortcomings, quirks - just like people. It fascinates me, and I hope it amuses you.

Baiter's favourite veg is celery, he starts with the tender leaves. Once he has finished the leaves I give him especially, he will pinch other budgies' leaves, and repeat untill there are no leaves left in the aviary. Then he turns his attention to crunching up the stalks. What a character!

Comments feature more information on how budgies mate, for interested parties.
I will make this info into a post of its own soon.

Now with 100% Less AdSense

My experiment with AdSense is now over. While the ads ran I had over 3000 visitors, and earnings were USD $2.07. Hardly worth the valuable real estate in the side bars - in my humble opinion. Yes, I realize there are things I could do to optimize that - but I dont wanna - so there!

I also dont wanna be no stinkin' "niche" blog either. (Just need to get that out of my system, Ta!)

Have a great saturday, and I will see you all tomorrow for Budgie Sunday!

Now Blooming: Oncidium orchid

Oncidium orchid, another with a lost tag so Im not sure
which one this is...but sunny and summer like.
Enjoy!

Dark Purple Bearded Irises from the garden this morning.
Hope to catch up with everyone later today - Cheers!

Wordless Wed. Lorikeets in Banksia

Rainbow Lorikeets in Banksia Serrata, the backyard last summer.
Looking forward to summer's return.

Happy WW, did you play?

Reclaimed timber - New Desk

The Most DH has scored a win for the environment. The large company he works for (which shall remain un-named) receives shipments of raw materials on heavy duty pallets of pine. Once unloaded these pallets were sent off to landfill! DH noticed this and approached the company about reusing them as an environmental initiative. The company’s first reaction was not receptive. They claimed the cost of freight to return the pallets to the supplier was cost-prohibitive.

He persisted, and in the end, was able to show upper management that the costs of recycling the pallets was only slightly more costly than landfill fees. The company agreed to recycle the pallets, and there was much rejoicing.

The materials supplier did put one condition on the deal; damaged pallets were not to be returned to them. That’s when DH got another brilliant idea, and asked if he could take away the damaged pallets. They agreed, and now when there is a broken one, DH breaks it up into its parts and carts it home. (See top photo).

The Most DH loves working with wood, and has made me a new desk with this reclaimed timber. (See photo below). The picture doesn’t really do it justice. And it’s a perfect size for the room it will live in, unlike the old desk (which is going on to its new life with a young relative). Next is a custom bookcase unit, which will solve another storage problem.

All in all, it’s a win for us, and Mother Earth.

Really Fresh Lettuce

Budgie Sunday - meet Gorgeous George

Thought it was past time to introduce the interloper in Goldie & Freebird’s romance. This, is Gorgeous George. About 2 years old, and a Recessive Pied Budgerigar (parakeet).

Earlier this year he had his first trip to the breeding room, where he decided to ‘gather ye rosebuds, while ye may’ - so to speak. After causing much trouble for the other couples I sequestered him with his intended mate, Violet, in separate quarters. Once free of the distraction of other hens, he settled down and became quite the attentive, caring partner, and an excellent dad. But since the breeding pairs all went back to the main aviary, Ive noticed he still courts Goldie, much to Freebirds chagrin!



I cant say he has a favourite veggie, as he attacks them all with zeal. He doesnt interact with me as much as some of my other birds, but he is a fool for sprays of millet. If Ive got millet in my hand he will let me pet him while he eats it. Fair enough.

Orchid, Stanhopea Occulata for Lensday

This weeks Lensday assignment is: Beautiful. You can click the picture for a larger view.

Although labelled as Stanhopea Occulata when I purchased it many years ago, I suspect it is actually a cross with Occulata, rather than Occulata itself. The flowers are a soft sulphur yellow where other specimens Ive seen are white. Either way, this is one of my favourite orchids.

Unlike most plants, Stanhopea blooms from the base of the plant. This means that it must be grown in a basket with medium which will allow the flower stem to emerge. I line the basket with coconut fibre and use a standard orchid bark medium.

I grow mine hanging in a bottlebrush (Callistemon) tree near my front door, and it blooms for me in March each year. (Which proves again you don’t need a greenhouse to grow orchids.) The blossoms last only a few short days, but are truly worth a years wait.

Aussie Slang, a primer

This list will grow as I remember more, or Aussies remind me, of them. Phonetic spelling appears in (parenthesis). If you really want to speak 'Aussie' - slur all your words together in to one long word......ex: didyabringyagrogalong? Have fun!

Aussie (Oz-zie)-Yankee

agro-aggravated
arvo-afternoon

balls up - screw up
bag yer head- shut up
barney-fight
big girl’s blouse - girly boy
bludger-slacker
blue-fight
bogan-trailer trash
bonzer -great, anything pleasing
boof - idiot
boot-trunk (of a car)
brekkie - breakfast
buckleys-butkus (see comments)
budgie or budgerigar-parakeet
bum antlers- tattoo on the very lower back
bush - country

cactus - done, useless, dead
cark, carked it - die, died
chip, chips - french fries
chippie - carpenter
chockers - completely full
chook-chicken
chuck a wobbly-pitch a fit
chunder - vomit
cossie(Kaah-zie)-swimsuit
crack a tinnie - open a beer
crisps - potato chips
crook sick
cut lunch-sandwich

doona-comforter, blanket
dosh - cash
drongo - loser
dummy-pacifier, a babies
dunny-outhouse
dunnie - alternate spelling for dunny
dunnie budgie-big blow fly that hangs out around the dunnie

esky - cooler, (portable icebox)
exxy-expensive

fair dinkum - real, genuine
fairy floss-cotton candy

galah(Gah-lar)-Silly/stupid person
garbo - garbage collector
glory box - hope chest
greenie - environmentalist
grog-beer/spirits
grot-slob
grouse - excellent
jumbuck - sheep
jumper - sweater (not the little girl dress, LOL!)

knackered - spent, exhausted

lippie - lipstick
lollie-candy

Maccas-Mickey D's (McDonalds)
milko - milkman
mozzie - mosquito
muso - musician

on ya!-good one!
on yer bike-get outta here

petrol-gas
plonk - cheap wine, booze
pollie - politician
pong-stink (especially BO)
poofteenth - smidgeon
postie - postman

rabbit on - talk too much about nothing
rack off - get lost
ripper - excellent
‘ron-later on
roo loose in the top paddock - a screw loose
root - “getting lucky” (NOT cheering for your team, LOL!)

servo-gas station
shiela-babe, woman, girlfriend, wife
skerrick - nothing, empty
skite - show off
sledging - ‘trash talk’ (as in sports)
smoko - coffee break (smokers)
snag-sausage
sook - cry baby, pout
sparky - electrician
spit the dummy-temper tantrum
stirrer - trouble maker
stubbie-pony (of beer)
stunned mullet-shocked
subbie - sub-contractor

ta- thanks
thongs-flipflops
torch-Flashlight

umpie - umpire
unco - uncoordinated, clumsy
ute(you-t)-pickup truck

whinge-whine

yobbo - redneck

5 cent piece-nickle
10 cent piece-dime
25 cents-quarter (we don’t have 25 cent pieces in Oz, nor pennies)

(last updated July 2008)

Coffee Break - What colour are you?

you are turquoise #40E0D0

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well. Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Enjoy a coffee break while I run around the universe chasing my tail again today - hope your day is less hectic!

Wordless Wednesday - Solar Powered Lemur

Its winter here in Oz, and Im frozen clear through. Maybe I should try this Ringtail Lemur's technique and go sit in the sun. Happy WW, did you play?

Career Meme Craziness

Jenny of Up the Hill Gang tagged me for the Career Meme.

Here is how to play: If you had the opportunity to do a 1-year internship in a company or field completely unrelated to your current career or specialty, what would be your top 5 choices? Then tag five new people to play….

Ok, here goes.Hmmmmmmm.

Nope, I got nothing. It’s the ‘one year’ part that’s giving me trouble, so I will bend the rules a bit and say we were talking about a permanent, full time position.

Yes! That’s much better. I get five right off the top of my head that way!

1) Veterinarian
2) Independently Wealthy Woman of Leisure
3) Director, Committee to Standardize Abbreviations
4) Minister, Department of Vigilante Justice - Animal Division
5) Chief Executive Officer, Planet Earth

Now, who do I tag? Ah yes, Louise of My Journey to Eliminate Debt! I will find four more for later. She tagged me for the 8 things meme, you know what they say about payback. :)

Blogger, drafts and dates

Just learned today: On Blogger, if you write a post and save it as a draft, when you publish it, it will post as the day you drafted it, not the day you post it.

Vis: Pyrostegia Ignea, Orange Trumpet Vine for Winter Wow! shows as Saturday 14th, the date I drafted it, instead of today Monday the 16th......

Also hadnt noticed before today, that Budgie Sunday, meet Freebird for Sunday 15th & "Only hens lay!" for Saturday the 14th dont even have a date at all here on the main page, but do on thier individual links pages...Curiouser & Curiouser!

Pyrostegia Ignea, Orange Trumpet Vine for Winter Wow!

Little goes on in the winter garden besides my Orange Trumpet Vine (Pyrostegia Ignea). This extremely vigorous growing vine can be a nuisance as its quite happy to eat your entire house, or smother young trees. We’ve put it to work for us here as a living fence.

There was no fence between our front garden and the uphill neighbour, and the slope of the street gave the entire neighbourhood nothing else to look at but the front of our house. I wanted something that would quickly give us some privacy.

First we erected four posts, and tensioned galvanised wire between them. Then let loose just two Orange Trumpet Vine plants. A few short years later and we have this impenetrable fence 10 metres long and two meters high. Without having to ask councils approval, or pay a ransom to a fencing contractor.

Having seen many cases where this vine has out competed everything in sight, I highly recommend this plant only for spots where you can carefully control it. Luckily it does not readily set seed, so no worries for the native bushlands.

The flowers are a very welcome sight in the coldest part of winter, and much appreciated by honeyeaters, wattle birds, spinebills and bees. The Fairy Wrens spend most of their time deep inside the thicket it creates, where they find lots of tasty insect morsels.

Curiously, my Bearded Irises have been blooming their heads off as though it were spring. I caught this shot this morning before it had fully opened. Perhaps the recent rains have tricked them into thinking springs come early. I hope they wont be spent when it does arrive, about two months from now!

Budgie Sunday, meet Freebird

You might remember Freebird from my post Budgerigars in Love awhile ago. In that photo, he is feeding his mate Goldie, but it looks for all the world like a passionate kiss. Freebird is a 'normal' blue budgie.

Where Goldie is concerned, he is a real lover. And there is no better birdy dad for chicks. In fact, when this pair have chicks in the nest, Freebird will even swoop at me threateningly, warning me with sharp calls, and flashing eyes. Don’t worry, he knows me well, and as soon as he sees that I have some greens or millet in my hand, he becomes a good pal again.

Many people think that his name comes from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song of the same name. Nope, that’s not it. He actually was a free bird! I won him as a prize from the Bobbie Budgie Radio Show about two years ago.

Freebird’s favourite veggies are grass runners from the lawn, green beans and especially chicory. Thats the green leaves in the photo above. Chicory is very high in calcium, making it an excellent veg for your feathered friends.

"Only hens lay!"

Mother knew how to use the language. Living with her was like living with your English teacher.

She always had her nose in a book, and you weren’t particularly welcome in her presence when she was found thus. In secret, she wrote. Short stories and poetry. She stuffed them all away in various hiding spots, only to be discovered after her death.

As a pre-teen I loved to write. One school year, there was an English teacher who generously read my extra-curricular fiction. He liked it. I kept adding chapters. He liked them too.

One day I decided to show the fledgling work to Mother. She hated it. Hated. It.

I never wrote another word of that particular story, but, in time I began to write other things. Secretly. Short stories and poetry. I stuffed them away in various hiding spots, all were lost in my migration to Australia.

Many years later, I ran into that English teacher, and he asked me if I still wrote.

Many more years later, I had a small epiphany. What criticism of her own work had she received that drove her to keep her writing secret? Perhaps Mother’s reaction was purely a learned response.

What discouragement did you receive? Imagine if they just didn’t know better. Be Free.

Kangaroo 4

Had two things I thought Id blog on today. Both gave me spilkas in the gizamazionk.

Today I give you the whole Roo. The rest I will think about tomorrow.

In the words of Scarlett O'Hara: Tomorrow....is another day!

Meme Madness 1

Ive been tagged for two memes this week. First by Louise of My Journey to Eliminate Debt for Eight Random things about myself....heres the deal:

1) Each player must post these rules first.
2) Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3) Tagged people post their eight things and these rules.
4) End your post by 'tagging' eight new people to play.
5) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog for these instructions.

So - here are eight random facts about me, drum roll please...

1) Iam Resplendent In Divergence. Its true, but its a borrowed phrase. Im curious if anyone reading this can name the song I borrowed it from. No prizes on offer for the correct guess other than a sense of satisfaction.

2) I hate talking on the telephone. I probally wouldnt even call an ambulance if my right arm fell off unexpectedly.

3) Although I always talk about my great love of birds, I actually see myself as a cat person. I have two cats, Aurora and Priapus. You'll meet them here one day.

4) I have 26 budgerigars (parakeets) at the moment.

5) On this blog I refer to my husband as "The Most DH", because he really is. Sometimes, you just get really really lucky in life.

6) I hate sports on television. I think sports are for playing, not sitting around on the lounge watching. Actually, Im not terribly excited by watching television full stop.

7) I love lentils, with garlic and a bay leaf.

8) I love children, with lemon pepper and capers.

Now, who shall I tag? Ive got to admitt that Im not sure a whole lot of my fave bloggers want to be tagged - so I will list some now, and owe you all the rest of the eight later. OK?

Jenny of Up the Hill Gang

Aoide at her blog on Tribe

Laughing Lawyer at Funniest Joke

Young Werther at Forlorn of Thee

Wordless Wednesday - Kangaroo 3

Click the picture for a larger view.
Happy Wordless Wednesday - Did you play?

Who wants to be tagged? Im looking for 8 volunteers to blog 8 random things about themselves, and tag eight others to do the same - Whos game?

Kangaroo 2

Seeing these powerful claws gave me a new appreciation for the Roos willingness to let me so close. If he had wanted to, he could have done me serious harm.

Kangaroo 1

The feet of a Kangaroo I met in Perth, 2005.
Face to Face, by which I mean not in a zoo.

Sweet Dreams Kiddies!

Budgie Sunday - Gandalf Returns!

Gandalf is back from his trip to Washington where he enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations. As you can see, he successfully avoided any injury due to fireworks.

Gandalf is an ex-exhibition budgerigar (parakeet), which in a nutshell means that he was bred for size as well as appearance. Exhibition budgies are usually twice the size of non-show birds. He is a gorgeous grey-blue opaline and is 13 years old. Thats pretty old for a budgie!

He was given to me by a breeder who was retiring him from stud duties three years ago. Gandalf didnt have any interest in breeding for me, and thats OK. I assume he had just had enough, and I was happy to just provide a 'retirement' home for him.



Although still physically fit, he spends most of his time sitting in a spot of sunlight singing to himself. He has that peaceful nature that often comes with great age. I can think of worse ways to spend my final years. May we all be so lucky.

Another interest, Orchids

We still have a few orchids left around the place. A few years ago our work schedules got crazier and water restrictions tightened due to the drought. So we sold most of our collection and the large greenhouse.

Among the orchids we couldn't part with was this one. The tag has long since faded in the sun and I cant find the old ledgers to confirm what family it is (Brasso-cattleya? Laelia-cattleya?) but its name is Prism Palette 'Rainbow'. It really is that electric in colour, its almost startling. Click the pic for a larger view.

Enjoy your saturday - see you tommorrow with Budgie Sunday!

Drive by Post

Just a little piece of moderately amusing clip art from my collection to fill the time. See you all tommorrow!

3 columns and blog withdrawl

The other day I displayed my How Addicted to Blogging are you? stats. And we all had a good laugh, didn't we?

Got the notice from my ISP that Im about to exceed my download limit for the month. Now, Im lucky that that only means two days, I realize that. But - TWO DAYS!! What am I going to do with myself with limited bandwidth to use for TWO WHOLE DAYS! Im in withdrawl already!

Not so funny now, eh? All joking aside, if you miss me from your blog during this time, or if I dont get comments out as per usual - rest assured, I will be back soon!

I got the tutorial for this three column layout from Tips for new Bloggers. Of all the ones I looked at, this one seemed the clearest and easiest to understand. I still have some tweaking to do here, but Im pretty pleased with it so far.

Todays picture is of a bead I made last January, named 'Dream'. My friend Terri swapped me one of her gorgeous floral beads for it. I love a large freeform organic focal, and they are what I do best. Im looking forward to getting back on the torch one of these days soon - come on Spring!

Wordless Wednesday - Gandalf in Washington

Happy 4th of July to my USA readers.

And Happy Wordless Wednesday to Everyone - Did you play?

BUMPzee, mouse trick & a coffee break

If you scroll down this page, in the right hand column you will see cute widgets for BUMPzee and My Blog Log. Ive only just begun exploring these two blogging communities, there are many more out there for when I get more time.

So far I find BUMPzee easier to browse but thats just me. If youre looking for more like minded bloggers, check these out. Let me know how you go.

That right hand column is getting a bit long, and Id like to add more blog recomendations. If anyone knows of an easy to install three column layout, please sing out!

Accidentally discovered a mouse trick this morning...I have a mouse with a scroll wheel, and I run Windows XP with Internet Explorer 7, so maybe it will only work with this set up - dunno - give it a try. To change the size of web content displayed on your screen, hold the control button down while rolling the wheel on the mouse. For me it makes the page bigger one way, and smaller the other. OK, theres probally another six ways of doing it - but I just discovered this one. LOL

For today's Coffee Break I took the How Addicted to Blogging are you? quiz. Do you have the same problem? Click the graphic below to see. Have fun!

86%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Craft & Quilt Fair, Sydney - Egads

You might remember that Saturday morning I was in a quandry about going to the Craft & Quilt Fair. I did go and have that cuppa, and regained my composure. Then The Most DH found me and asked when I would like to leave for the show. I explained that I thought we'd give it a miss and stay home. He smiled that sly smile of his and said "We'll leave as soon as you're ready, so go get ready." Shortly, we were off.

The place was packed - to the gills. Packed to the gills with people who are either well versed in the Art of Show-Shopping-Warfare, just downright selfish, or both. It really was impossible to get thru the crush at most stalls to see anything. It always amazes me how many people it takes to decide if one wants to buy a thing. Most of the potential shoppers I observed clogging stall fronts, had one or more people with them. These little groups kept tight to themselves, actively ignoring everyone else, while having serious debates about whether or not an item was worthy to purchase. As though the very earth would stop in its orbit if they spent $7, and it failed to bring them immediate fame & fortune.

The Most DH went out for a breather while I waited three deep at a bookstall. Right up against the display several people were sitting on the floor leisurely reading books. Once I got within an arms length of the book I was after, I said to the squatter "Excuse me, Im just going to reach over you and grab that book." The look she gave me was withering, it spoke volumes on her opinion of me and my attempt to display some manners. Geeze Louise!

Some asiles were choked with people just standing around staring glassy eyed at the cieling, as though they had just given up all hope. In one such I lingered, to rummage thru my purse for some ibuprofen.

I wonder how the vendors faired in all this as I didnt see alot of money being passed around. Having done markets/shows myself, I always look for that. I did note that the stalls of individual artists did not have writhing throngs of lookers. Isnt that always the way?

Despite these obstacles, The Most DH and I had a lovely day out AND I managed to acquire a small stash of bits for a few planned projects. But Im in no hurry to go to another show!

Budgie Sunday, introducing Magellan

Meet my favourite budgie mate, Magellan. He is an Opaline budgie, in short this means that the feathers on his wings are black and blue, instead of black and white. He is four years old. You might notice some fluffy bits on his shoulders, thats down. Normally you wouldnt see a birds down after they get all thier feathers in.

However, Magellan and his siblings had a crummy mother. As soon as her chicks started getting thier feathers, thier mother started plucking them out. (Mother Plucker!)

So I hand reared Magellan and his siblings. One day while I was feeding him, when he decided he'd had enough, he ran off across the desktop at lightning speed and before I could catch him, he fell off the edge and hit the floor. He was perfectly fine, (but I still felt guilty as hell).

I asked him nicely not to go "exploring" off the "edge of his world" again untill he could fly. Thats how he got his name, Magellan was the first explorer whose name came to mind.

Now, every trip to the aviary he is the first to greet me, and rides on my shoulder as I fill the feeders etc. He is fascinated by my eyelashes for some reason, and his favourite veggie is pumpkin.

Enjoy your Budgie Sunday!