After the Palm Bay fires, I've noticed quite a few different birds flying about. This little one has been comming by with another one like himself. We put out some finch birdseed and this morning one was eating. I think its parrot family, maybe a wild parakeet. He's not very big, about 6 inches long.
Black-masked Lovebird
Native to Tanzania
http://www.honoluluzoo.org/black-masked_lovebird.htm
OldNed, you hit it right on the button. That's my visitor. I think I have two of them visiting. One who comes to the front of the house for some food and water is smaller. The larger one flew inside my screen enclosure. He is now feeding and drinking water. He flies to my hoya plants that are hanging under the roof of patio. I wonder if he will fly into a birdcage. They must have been someones pets.
What a beautiful bird imadigger! It is a shame about the fires and all the displaced wildlife. I hope they stay at your place where you can look after them.
imadigger, maybe find out from your local conservation and wildlife authority about the potential of these birds to become problematic. Lovebirds are a "double cage" bird in Australia because of the potential threat to local inhabitants if they were to become feral.
imadigger -- lure them into your screened area and give them a good home in a big cage with lots of wooden toys to chew on and play with. They will only live for 20-30 years. I agree with MargaretK, these little guys do pose a threat to native species because they adapt well to human habitats. They are a real problem in some parts of California.
Well, right now 'Popeye' (named by DH) is getting friendly. I have fruit treats that are for buggies and cocateils, and he seems to like them. He will eat from fingers, but will not land on our hands yet. He went right to the cage that I had, so he must have been someone's pet. We saw two of them flying around the back yard a few days before he came inside the enclosure. I haven't seen the other one around. Maybe he found a home. I sure hope so. He is such a beautiful bird. The pet store recommend food and he's eating. Tried to give him apple, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, but he's just like a child. Doesn't like veggies ^_^
