I never knew how affectionate galahs are to their young. I told you the other day about the fledgling Fred rescued (whom the boys have named Ritchie, but as the sex of a galah is not apparent until they are two, it could be a girl...Bitchie??). To get on...Fred has been putting Ritchie out for the parents to feed and today, when Fred's mum, Sylvia, came to visit, we sat on the patio with our coffee and watched these birds.
The parents and another sibling were sitting up in the big tipuana tree, calling to Ritchie, encouraging him to fly up. This seems to be a regular attempt throughout the time he's out there. Then they fly down...all three. Mum feeds Ritchie and Father and Sibling stay close as well. Occasionally the others will fly back up into the tree or onto the fence and call Ritchie, trying to encourage him to fly. They'll then fly down and have a family discussion about what could possibly be holding Ritchie up from flying. This goes on for quite some time interspersed with feed sessions. Fred has also put a feeder of seed out for the other family members, so they'll have some of that then try the encouraging process again.
However, today was really special. Mum and Dad were on either side of Ritchie and they groomed him from head to toe, going over each feather meticulously. This grooming session lasted for about half-an-hour, I suppose. We were absolutely fascinated by this process. Obviously this little galah is very special to them, probably because he's not flying.
Fred keeps the baby inside at night because he'd be a lovely meal for a predator of some sort...cats, foxes, dogs, even an owl may think he was a tasty morsel and of course, during the day, we have to worry about kookaburras and crows.
Poor little Ritchie, he's not had a very good start to life, but between Fred and his parents, he's doing okay at present. We're just wondering if he's ever going to be able to fly at all. If not, we may have the parents here for always, which would be lovely. It's great seeing galahs on the back lawn.
So that's the update on the galahs for the moment. I'll keep you posted as to what's happening in the future with Ritchie. I'll also try and get some photos.
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11 comments:
I’ve often thought that we humans could learn quite a bit about loving care for our children by observing the less “intelligent” creatures of this earth.
My blessings to little Ritchie and his Mum and dad.
I have never heard of this bird but then again you have mentioned other birds from Australia that i dont know about too. i am looking forward to those pictures!! I love birds!! So much fun to watch. Hope all is going great with you Robyn!! I am still having to put up with this silly knee. I go to the orthopedist this Monday afternoon. I am so frustrated! Sandy
Hi Robyn thanks for the update on little Richie Hope he learns to fly so he can join his Mum and Dad in the tree tops, other wise you have another mouth to feed.. look forward to update and pics...Jen
G'day Robyn, you don't just get birds around your way, you get characters, Ritchie may need some elevation for his first flight after all he would normally take off from the nest not the ground.
Until I read the word bird I didn't know of what animal you were talking about, I have never heard this name. Indeed it's good that no cat is around because little Rosie shows big features for bird and mice hunting ! Thursday I have an appointment at the vet, she will get neutred. Poor little girl ! But the vet said it's time !
Those galahs sound relly entertaining!...
;->...
What you nice story and you are a great teller. Keep us posted and hope you'll find some pics of Ritchie.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
www.terella.no
Well, being as I am new here, what the heck is a galah? I know, I know, a bird. But what kind? Colorful? Black, green, blue, red? Big? Small. Yes, picture would be lovely.
Hi Robyn ~~ Funny how you give all those stray birds names. I think Peter may have the answer. If Fred puts him up a bit, he may fly. I am surprised they don't have galahs in the U.S. Their farmers are lucky.
You made it into a good story, and with the photos in next post showing Ritchie's colors. Your tree looks great too. Thanks for your comments, we have had rain too and a little cooler. I don't like the humidity in Qld.and most of my kids are in Vic. Take care Robyn, Love, Merle.
Maybe Ricchie likes living with Fred and the parents like the being there to and are encouraging Richie to play the flightless game so they could become squatters in Fred's Yard :)
that is such a lovely story. the others are right: we need to learn from other creatures how to be human.
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