At dusk yesterday I was passing through the living room and out of the corner of my eye noticed a flash of bright yellow from our large window. On the fence sat a bright yellow bird, much larger than the American Goldfinch. Curiosity ensued because the goldfinches have been gone a couple of days now, so I started getting very excited that an exotic species had found its way into my yard. The light was low so my photos weren't great, but enough to make an I.D. Imagine my surprise when Double D and I determined that this was most likely someone's pet parakeet.
I hoped the bird would return again in brighter light. I had my camera ready to go this morning, and sure enough, there was my new friend, hungrily eating at one of the feeders. The conditions were cloudy, and not wanting to frighten him, I chose to shoot these without a tripod. I think the shots came out pretty good for a relatively slow shutter, hand held. Isn't he cute?!
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| I was about 3' away when I took some of these shots, so I'm pretty confident this is someone's pet. |
I considered posting him on our neighborhood Facebook page, but decided that Charlie is probably happier out in the wild being free. The mockingbird chased him away from the feeders this morning, but he came right back. I think he deserves freedom and will do just fine. And even if he doesn't live as long outside the cage, at least he is able to live the way that God intended. What do you think?
43 comments:
he's really cute. i'm glad he has found your feeders, as he most certainly needs them.
He looks good.Yes,he is likely happier in the free world than to be caged.
Assuming your climate is warm enough to accommodate him year round, I agree that birds shouldn't be caged (despite Frank having Lucy, an Amazon Grey Parrot.. but that's a different story).
One thing to consider though is that he might be a much loved pet who inadvertently left behind a heartbroken family. One of our bloggie friends (Mental Pause Mama) once lost her pet bird and she was broken-hearted and filled with worry. I'd want to at least check ads (Kijiji and the like) to see if anyone is looking for him.
You sure took some wonderful photos of him. He'd be instantly recognizable to those who might be missing him. You did ask what do we think. ;)
I think he is lucky! sandie
Wonderful photos of an adorable bird...there is so much talk down here about the harm that introduced species and accidental species do, but I don't see how this itty bitty darling could hurt anything.
But I'm sure he needs to get sustenance from feeders, because he's never learned to forage for himself.
Freedom is nice, but maybe there's a mate in that cage he left behind. I like Hilary's suggestions. The pictures are absolutely perfect, though. Those last two close-ups have so much detail. Gorgeous.
Yes, freedom is nice and he looks happy, but I have to agree with what Hilary said. Plus, I don't know much about birds :) Your photos are amazing, Gail. I am stunned with the beauty you capture and it's always a blessing to visit you.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Stephanie
So lucky he found your feeders to help sustain him, and the photos are brilliant!
(I don't blame you for not wanting to watch the video, part of the reason I just provided a link. Yes, DBS is certainly an option I'm considering for the future. *hugs*) Have a wonderful weekend!
What beautiful photos of this darling budgerigar. I have never thought birds should be caged, but maybe someone is missing him very much. And if he was a pet, these birds also bond with their owners.
To live as intended you'll have to send him to me, and I'll have to drive into the middle of the desert and let him go!!
My mother used to have two budgerigars - but I dont recall them looking this splendid!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
It's a hard choice Gail, either way your photos are wonderful and he is a beautiful bird.
He is absolutely gorgeous!
I hope you can take care of him if the owner is not found!
Great photos, with a tripod it is best indeed!
Well done!
Other than lovely, what else can I say?
Fabulous photos Gail. This is a really splendid example, and is probably someone's much-loved pet
We used to keep budgerigars (as we call them over here). Originally we had one (a male), which had a cage, but we allowed to have the freedom of our living room (not sure how 'living room' translates into USA parlance, but it's the main room of the house where we sit and relax and watch TV). We decided that he could do with a mate, and so got a female. They got on really well and raised a chick (yep, in our living room!). They wouldn't have done this if they hadn't been happy. Unfortunately the mother was over-protective of the youngster and sat on it too long so it ended up with splayed legs (sounds commical, but it was upsetting at the time - they stuck out completely sideways. The youngster coped with its disability really well and found places in the room that it could land with ease. However, we felt that, with the three of them now, we needed to give them more space, and built an aviary. This was that start of a dynasty. Their numbers just grew and grew with some intorduced new blood too, of course. These were very happy birds, that had never known anything but 'captivity'. Sadly we lost Wol (the disabled one) one night. I went out to check them one when they were all roosting, and she flew to greet me. Unfortunately she misjudged the distance in the gloom and hit the netting rather hard. It seems she'd broken her neck as, next morning she was on the ground, below where she had landed.
Anyway, I reckon that there's a very good chance that this bird has escaped through an open door or window, from an 'owner' who is missing it badly. Whilst I can understand the sentiments of people who believe it's kindest to let it have its freedom, I do sincerely believe that the chances are that this bird would be much better off with its owner. It will get regular food (of the right type) and water, and be kept safe from predators and hazards (of which it will have no experience). As someone else has pointed out he (it is a male) might even have a mate at home. Please do try and find where he belongs.
God bless your sweet heart <3
I used to have a parakeet only mine was bluem oh how I loved that little bird. I hope he will stick around.
Oh Gail he/she is beautiful. You are the only one that could catch the true beauty so perfectly. Lucky bird:) B
Oh I am blown away by your beautiful photography of this beautiful bird. After reading the comments I may have to agree with Richard Peglar's comments. If this bird has lived in nothing but a caged environment it's whole life, I would think his chance's of survival are rather slim. It's a tough decision to make.
Oh wow, what a beautiful bird. So glad he found your feeders. I am sure his or her owners are missing it terribly. I have mixed feelings about these birds being wild or kept as pets. If they have never been wild, they may have a hard time surviving. I hope it stays close to your feeders. Have a happy day!
I've always had a cockatiel. He/she may be ok with your mild weather - but probably will not make it in the wild simply because of his lovely coloring. At least he's finding food, but will be a perfect lunch for a hawk since he's probably been domestic since birth. Also, Parakeets are social birds and he'll be lacking companions. in the wilds of the jungles he would be safe - would have to question a lone bird. I do wish him luck!
BTW- beautiful pictures of the parakeet!! He appears to be very healthy!
Your marvelous photos show off this little bird's beauty! Unfortunately, I doubt if he'd survive long in the wild.
Wow, what great close ups!
Well, there's something I've never seen at the feeders! haha! A beautiful bird and great photos! My guess is it has no experience in the wild at all and needs human care taking for any kind of life expectancy. At least we're going into summer and not winter.
What a beauty! Yellow and blue, what marvelous colors! Someone is missing this beauty. I think he needs to go home. Perhaps he does, then comes back for supper!
Oh my, I'll bet seeing that little guy was a surprise! He sure is pretty. I agree with you about him being happier out in the wild even if he doesn't last too long. It seems so sad to be stuck in a little tiny cage. I do feel bad for him though that he doesn't have any of his own kind to socialize with. I remember watching a show about an area in California where there is a large flock of parrots that were once captive, but now free.
What a surprise you got, Gail! What do you mean that these photos are not in focus? To me they look fantastic. What a cutie pie! I bet someone is grieving over the loss of him.
Your photos are really beautiful and capture the essence of this bird so well, but I agree with some of the others as a previous owner of 5 parakeets who were pets inside but did have the freedom of flying about the house at certain times during the day that he is most likely a pet and someone, possible a young child is missing him something badly. Birds bond to their owners as much as the owners do to them. Good luck in your decision.
He is absolutely gorgeous, Gail.
I feel so bad that someone might be missing there pet.
He sure looks pretty happy, and quite well-fed though!
Here I would have to try to find his owner...but he is gorgeous. Hard choice.
he is so pretty, i love the bright color.
i had a parakeet when i was seven years old. name? pretty boy birthday.
he is so pretty, i love the bright color.
i had a parakeet when i was seven years old. name? pretty boy birthday.
I say " born free"! Wow he is truly beautiful Gail! I swear birds just know to fly to your house when they want to become famous! Loving those blue feathers! Great photos!
Beautiful little bird. Such bright colors and he looks happy to have found your feeders. :)
I just keep thinking about how much I love my pets and someone is probably worried sick about this bird...plus he may have a real attachment to his family....
He is drop dead gorgeous and you captured it beautifully. I love the little blue on him...so adorable...
Thanks for sharing your photograph on Jill's Meme this week...It brought back so many memories for me.....
I would flip over backwards and do a dance if I saw one of these in our area. the little fella is so cute and BRIGHT. I guess I take some pictures of the birds that I saw yesterday, but I don't think anyone would get a thrill out of seeing an old buzzard. Wonderful blessings for you all who have such gorgeous birds in your area.
Have a beautiful day..
shug
I would flip over backwards and do a dance if I saw one of these in our area. the little fella is so cute and BRIGHT. I guess I take some pictures of the birds that I saw yesterday, but I don't think anyone would get a thrill out of seeing an old buzzard. Wonderful blessings for you all who have such gorgeous birds in your area.
Have a beautiful day..
shug
Not a wild bird, but ever so beautiful and you have captured its beauty in such a fabulous way. As always. Don't forget to link up at the Bird D'Pot this weekend if you haven't already. These photos would add a bit of pizzazz!!
Well, look at that little blue mustache! Well, I think I'll have to take the opposing side here. Sorry. Knowing that he's probably domesticated and never been in the wilds (of a suburb), I do have to worry about his survival skills. Surely, some are innate, but others are learned. If it were me, I'm sure I'd be trying to find its owners, just as if it were any other pet. Lovely shots and a real treat! When I was a teenager, one time when my family was vacationing in Sarasota, FL and staying in a high-rise condo...a parakeet flew into our living room and stayed with us a few days! I can't remember what ever happened to it, though.
Totally amazing colors! And you did this with a handheld camera? Fabulous, Gail.
Beautiful,beautiful bird! I agree! Let him enjoy his freedom.
awe...what a beauty! Cannot imagine someone just setting him free....but it does happen from time to time. Great captures and so glad he has found your home as a place of comfort & refuge. Big hugs from TX sweetie...xoxo
Oh, he's beautiful, I do hope you find his owner ... always sad to see an domesticated animal left to fend for himself in the wild.
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