Happy (Dinosaur) Feet

Sam has what I call "Happy Feet." When he's on the floor or a table, he waddles with a pigeon-toed gait, which seems to match his personality: Slightly off-center, transparent of motive, and very endearing. At least, he has his priorities very straight: food, cuddles, and foot toys.

Parrot feet also remind me just how much they resemble something anciently dinosaurish. They're covered with a rough scaly skin with claws that can do amazing feats of dexterity.


In case you're wondering what kind of contortion this is, it's simple: Sam's preening with one foot over his head so he can reach his elbow for a general cleaning.

And feet are exceptionally important for carefully eating every tiny piece of almond, which is Sam's favorite treat of all.

Happy feet are a good thing!

Sam's Going Green

Sam, apparently, felt he should do his part to help the planet by going green. It helps that he IS green to start with, of course.

He's checking out the bag of paper recycling here to see if he can re-use anything interesting.

Apparently he found something: a cardboard box that has a fun texture and an enticing interior.

Sam seems to approve the use of cold water and safe detergent without fragrances and dyes. But he really doesn't care to help me with hanging up the wet laundry - he gets bored with it. But he's hanging in there....cheering me on, maybe?

Well, it's all in a day's work - and it wasn't that difficult, really!

Beady Little Eyes

I have four pairs of beady little eyes always watching to see what I'm doing, what I'm up to.

Sam keeps watch intently, and like a little watch dog, will alert me with growls at anything he feels is threatening - such as a small stuffed dog half his size that was sitting on top of a shelf.

The other reason alertness is good is that Sam is ever hopeful I will walk into the kitchen and bring back some tempting morsel that is not a pellet. Ahem! (This shot of Sam also shows that he is soliciting a head rub, looking really cute and irresistible - and it always works...)

Chipper, on the other hand, often is more subtle in his watching.

If you look closely, you will see that Chipper's eye is right on me. Behind the basket is his favorite perch on the tree. He has purposely chewed a hole through the basket so that he can keep an eye on me - and anyone else.

Ride 'em Cowboy - and Other Capers

Chipper has a way of exploring all the nooks and crannies of the house. He, like Pippin, loves to find boxes and be nesty. He has to have a job every day, and chewing paper and wood - and exploring - suit him fine. He discovered this ceramic horse on the fireplace mantle and kept returning to it. Ride 'em, Cowboy Chipper!

On another front, Sam loves to get in his wooden play bowl that is kept on top of his cage. I will often hear him scratching about, look over, and find him bottom up.


Speaking of bottoms up, Pippin does a fine job of that too.

Then there are the times when the cockatiels take their baths. This comes in the form of a spray bottle with warm water. They love to take their bath on the big tree in the living room.

Here you will see them in the middle of becoming sopping wet, after which they will preen for quite awhile until they're fairly dry. They especially like sitting in the sun on such occasions (Chipper is bottom up in the background in this photo).

I wonder what it is about bottom up that is so appealing? Maybe seeing a different viewpoint is what it's all about. Hm. Good idea!

A Typical Weekend at Home

The jays buzz the cat in the meadow, calling raucously and continuously till the feline gets the message not to trespass the jay's territory.

The twin fawns seem to be in sync with just about every activity, including responding to unexpected noises. Hmm...what was that, anyway? (After all, everything is new to a fawn.)


And then at home, it's cage-cleaning time and that means everybody vacates, one at a time, his or her cage.

This is a shot of Pippin parked temporarily in the Wingabago travel carrier. Pippin is so small and such a seeker of small dark places to explore and make nests, that I can't leave her out unattended for long as it isn't safe.

But Sam, who was already out and about exploring, decided to check Pippin out (he does like her a lot). They had a little chat and then Sam continued his explorations.

The cockatiels also took the opportunity to explore the window sill and the outside activities. Not much happening out there except jays flying about and sun beating down - oof! It's supposed to reach upper 90s F today.

Baths were had by all and Chipper dried off on the tree.

Here he is relaxed and happy for the weekend!