Parakeets

Every morning I wake up and look out
the window to see our 'pets.' The
tree outside our flat is home to small,
green parakeets and even smaller kingfishers.
My daughter and I love watching the
parakeets preen or regurgitate leftovers
for their babies. She thinks this bird method
of feeding is disgusting, but appreciates the
care and attention with which the mommies look
after their babies. Also lurking in the trees
we see several beady-eyed crows looking
for a free meal. Pigeon feet and feathers bedeck
our porch, a startling testament to the
ferocity of the hungry crows. I thought
my 5-year old would be horrified by the remains,
however she expressed great interest in them
and stated that it was a good thing we didn't
eat other animals. Oh dear ...

A colleague at work has eagles nesting in the
trees outside by her porch. The eagles have
nestlings, so any time she goes on the porch
she gets dive-bombed by 2 protective parents.
The eaglets have grown somewhat, so now she is
at least able to step outside without fear of
raking talons. I think I prefer my little green parakeets.