July - the heart  of Summer

 Laker's Anniversary

It is so wonderful having had Laker with us for a year.

Rio, our 2nd Budgie, is now 3 months old 

Budgie Updates Here is Rio approaching Laker & as seen in the mirror reflection - Laker is trying to keep his distance. Notice Rio's short tail - he's lost both of his longest tail feathers.
Here is a shot of them flying - again a fluke shot as i was trying to get them sitting on the perch. Rio is in a molt.   Laker is finally helping.  Yesterday he preened Rio twice!  That ment he had to get really close.  Rio didn't move a muscle - it was so cute!  I'll try & get photos. He He

Laker preening Rio's head	Stopped because of the camera
Rio looking scruffy	Laker starting again

Brownie the Sparrow ~ a short story
Here he is perching,
getting ready to eat seed & learning to fly

I was doing some more reading about raising a baby sparrow.	I guess i was right about him being at a disadvantage being on his own - without the support of other baby sparrows.
One of my art students is going to help with the release in her back yard.  Her backyard is better than our balcony.  It isn't ideal but i hope it goes well.	Update on Brownie ~ July 5th - his tail is almost filled out & he's getting his adult markings - have to get another photo or 2.  He's not eating seed yet but is very active in his cage/box.  He hops from side to side - I'm glad i put in 2 perches.  He also runs around the ground of the cage.

 

Last Week - Brownie eating July 7th ~ Brownie flew away this morning just as i was about to give him his 3rd feeding of the day.  He's been pecking at the seed but he wasn't ready.  He flew out of the box - across the balcony & up over the edge & off.  He flew a block before i lost sight of him around one of the buildings.  I hurried down to ground level, carrying food but even tho I walked around all around the buildings i couldn't locate him.  There are lots of baby sparrows calling out but none that would recognise me.  He wasn't very tame - that was the point.  I feel sick & very upset.

Most of the photos are life size here. Yesterday - July6 - Brownie working his wings & tail - they seemed to quiver non stop + he's wag his tail - it was priceless. - cleaning his beak & you can see his tail is bigger & filling out. - looking at the seed - see his yellow marking sare coming in as well.

Well time is healing i  know
- but i still keep looking for the sparrow when i'm out walking.