New aviary inhabitants

A RECAPTURED Indian ringneck parakeet and a third sulphur-crested cockatoo are now housed at the Kowhai Park Aviary, Feilding, after the recent loss of five rosellas and some java sparrows.

The rosellas and sparrows went missing last month after holes were cut in their enclosures and though some sightings of the birds were reported none have been recaptured, apart from the parakeet that was discovered in the Roberts Line area.

Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said members of the public had shown real concern at the plight of the birds, which were unlikely to survive in the wild, and had sought advice on what to do if one was spotted.

“We had lots of calls and it’s interesting how people notice things when they are on the lookout,” he said.

Aviary Keeper, Brian Day, said the recent donation of Falco, a 30 year-old cockatoo, was appreciated and he was happy for the bird to join the other two raucous residents, Joey and Sam.

“Falco’s owners had him as a pet for 15 years and felt it was time he went into a bigger aviary,” said Mr Day. “Joey squawked and carried on but Falco has settled in well.”

Mr Day said the aviary was enjoying a successful breeding season with cockatiels, rainbow lorikeets, banded quail, morepork and rosellas producing eggs or sitting on their nests.