[Des]

Love birds. Galah pair preening (female on left, male on right). KP + DA 55-300 PLM at 300mm.

[OrchidJulie]

Gorgeous birds, Des! We certainly have nothing to match them in our yard!

[Des]

Gorgeous birds, Des! We certainly have nothing to match them in our yard!

Thanks Julie. Galahs are actually quite common in Australia - many people see them at home. They are very charming (unless you are a farmer and huge flocks of them eat your grain). Galahs are one of a small number of native species (including about half a dozen parrots) to have spread in number and range since Europeans arrived.

Unfortunately the picture is not so rosy for most of the 60-odd species of parrots that were here 250 years ago - the majority have declined, some to extinction. Twelve species of parrot in Australia are Endangered or Critically Endangered.

[OrchidJulie]

Thanks Julie. Galahs are actually quite common in Australia - many people see them at home. They are very charming (unless you are a farmer and huge flocks of them eat your grain). Galahs are one of a small number of native species (including about half a dozen parrots) to have spread in number and range since Europeans arrived.

Unfortunately the picture is not so rosy for most of the 60-odd species of parrots that were here 250 years ago - the majority have declined, some to extinction. Twelve species of parrot in Australia are Endangered or Critically Endangered.

That's distressing. I'm sorry to hear it.

We have several naturalized parrot species here...not native but well-established. Most are the descendants of escaped pets or otherwise captive birds. During hurricane Andrew, the aviary at Zoo Miami was destroyed and a few birds managed to survive that. There are several neighborhoods with naturalized populations of macaws (several species and hybrids resulting from them), really large flocks of Quakers (or monks, not sure of the distinction, small green birds), and some conures and amazons. When the loquats ripen, a flock of conures will show up to feed on them. Noisy, messy...but still beautiful. The loquats are just starting to flower now, fruit will follow in a month or two.

[Des]

There are several neighborhoods with naturalized populations of macaws (several species and hybrids resulting from them), really large flocks of Quakers (or monks, not sure of the distinction, small green birds), and some conures and amazons. When the loquats ripen, a flock of conures will show up to feed on them. Noisy, messy...but still beautiful. The loquats are just starting to flower now, fruit will follow in a month or two.

That must be quite a sight. Hope you can get some shots and share them here.

[OrchidJulie]

That must be quite a sight. Hope you can get some shots and share them here.

I'll try, though typically the birds feed as high up as they can, and they're shy of people. So capturing images of them is a little tricky. With luck, and a good loquat crop, maybe this year I'll get some good shots. <fingers crossed>

[normhead]

From a week ago... forgotten on the memory card.

[Mbaez]

From a week ago... forgotten on the memory card.

Nice pictures, but they make me sad because I haven't seen those birds around here anymore since my landlord does not allow me to feed them anymore. Can't wait to have my own house...

[normhead]

Nice pictures, but they make me sad because I haven't seen those birds around here anymore since my landlord does not allow me to feed them anymore. Can't wait to have my own house...

My lot is one acre, these birds are well away from my house. When the feeders were closer we had mice and other vermin trying to make homes in our basement on a regular basement. I don't know your situation but your landlord may have a point.

[Mbaez]

My lot is one acre, these birds are well away from my house. When the feeders were closer we had mice and other vermin trying to make homes in our basement on a regular basement. I don't know your situation but your landlord may have a point.

I know, but since they got cats years ago the mice issues disappeared. I was also cleaning and checking on a regular basis and never saw a rat or mice, only squirrels and birds... I guess they didn't want to risk it.

[normhead]

I know, but since they got cats years ago the mice issues disappeared. I was also cleaning and checking on a regular basis and never saw a rat or mice, only squirrels and birds... I guess they didn't want to risk it.

Cats will do that, unfortunately our last cat was an efficient bird hunter. I have seen Blue Jays catch and eat mice, but not very often. The Jays are only out in the day, the mice are usually only out at night.

[Bluestem]

Working on my computer and I had the feeling I was being watched. Looked over and this fella was looking at me 😀

[Canada_Rockies]

Working on my computer and I had the feeling I was being watched. Looked over and this fella was looking at me 😀

Serendipity

[Mbaez]

Working on my computer and I had the feeling I was being watched. Looked over and this fella was looking at me 😀

Neighborhood watch! 😂

[OrchidJulie]

Working on my computer and I had the feeling I was being watched. Looked over and this fella was looking at me 😀

Those are amazing images!