Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo visits garden


Before I arrived in Australia, I only ever saw these Cockatoos in pet shops. Now that Ive seem them in thier element, Im even more fond of them. They come through in big mobs at sunset, its quite a sight to see (and hear!). Lucky I had my camera with me in the garden last evening to get this quick shot. Just after this one was taken, one of my housecats attempted to pounce - thru a sliding glass door. Cockie took off like a rocket, leaving kitty to nurse a headache.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Most excellent photograph Lavender and he's showing his full crown for you too!!!

Lavender said...

Thanks Anon! I was very appreciative that he held it so nicely for me, course, maybe it was just because he suspected a cat was watching thru the glass? hehehe!

Unknown said...

fun photo...thanks for sharing

Lavender said...

Thanks for visiting Boyd!

Barkfoot said...

These are such exotic looking creatures that I almost forget that you would see them in the wild. Great pic, how close were you?

Christine and FAZ said...

My friend had a pet one when I was a kid. It hated me and would chase me around the garden. I am sure my screaming didn't help, it probably translated into some type of cockatoo mating call. I've never gotten over it. Christine

Snoskred said...

They make a heck of a racket, don't they! ;) But it's a noise I don't mind hearing.. we have some duck ponds and grasslands nearby and they all land there and eat the seeds out of the grass.

Great shot!

Snoskred
http://www.snoskred.org/

Jean-Luc Picard said...

An excellent picture; really distinctive.

Lavender said...

Barkfoot I was about 25 feet away, (I love my cameras zoom feature!) But I have gotten closer from time to time, and more than once Ive been able to give one sunflower seeds from my hand which is quite a blast to do!

Christine Im sorry that Cockie had it out for you. Youre right that it was attracted to your alarm sounds! To a parrott, that sounds like youre excited, it probally thought you enjoyed the chase - how ironic is that? But they are big birds- and those beaks look dangerous - so your reaction was certinally understandable.

Snoskred Oh yes! There no mistaking when the Cockies are moving thru is there? Hehehe
I love seeing those big mobs in grassy areas, it always amazes me - so many of them in one place! :)

Captain Thank you, these characters sure male a great shot easy!

Sharon said...

Wow! And I thought I was lucky to get a shot of Praying Mantis! I would love to see them in their natural element.

Bevson said...

Lavender,

I am completely green with envy. I have never seen these in the wild. What a fantastic shot! Thank you so much for posting it. I've gotta get down to your neck of the woods.

Lavender said...

Oh yes - if you ever get the chance - the bird life here is really a treat! I must admitt I still miss my old feathered friends from your side of the 'pond', but when characters like this rollick around overhead, I can almost forget those left behind...Thanks for visiting!

Anonymous said...

WOW! You sure don't see those in your yard everyday around my little corner of the world! I need to move to Australia! LOL

Happy WW!

Lavender said...

Hi Tricotine! Glad it gave you a smile - remember how we said budgies were loud? Yep, you guessed it - these guys are many times louder LOL But such a sight!

Ces Adorio said...

Oh my gosh Lavender what a fantastic photograph - stunning!

Love his crown (or is it a she? I am still learning about the birds)

Lavender said...

Well, the boys and the girls look alike - so its hard to tell with these....There was one that used to come around every day for quite awhile, and I always called it a her as its way of moving and interacting with me seemed more femme - but I was only guessing, could have been wrong and offended it! LOL