Kylie and Jessie's Turn

Here's a couple with Kylie and Jessie.

Kylie enjoying an almond
Jessie enjoying an almond

Very Happy With My New Camera!

Here are some pictures I took of Lucy tonight. Now that I'm learning how to use the camera and learning a little about photography my pictures are coming out better. I got some great close ups tonight.

New Camera = More Bird Pictures

I only asked for one thing for Christmas this year and that was a new camera. I was getting really annoyed with the 5-year old point and shoot camera we had. After dropping hints for months it paid off and I got a new Fujifilm Finepix F80 EXR. As much as I would love a DSLR camera that was a little out of the budget range so I'm very happy with this camera. It can act as a simple point and shoot camera but it also has a manual mode where you can set everything yourself. That is my challenge in the new year is to learn more about photography and make as much use of this camera as possible. Oh and I also got a tripod as well.

So while the birds had time out of their cages this afternoon I was busy snapping pictures. I'm playing around with the various settings on the camera, but so far I'm pleased with the pictures. You guys be the judge.

Merry Christmas!

Unfortunately, no pictures today. But I did want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year from me, Lucy, Jessie and Kylie. I look forward to a new year and getting to know Kylie even better and continuing to enjoy their companionship.

Avian Organics Order

I've been unable to resist so many posts I see on various message boards and finally broke down and ordered from Avian Organics. I just started with a small order to see how the birds like everything. So far, they've gotten the Cupid Cookies and all three birds savor every little crumb. It's a hit! Here's a picture of what I got.

I'll have some time over the holidays and will definitely be doing some birdie baking ... I haven't even taken the time for Christmas baking yet, so my husband is giving me a bit of a hard time, but its all about keeping the birdies happy! Look for updates over the holidays. And I'll get some pictures of the birds enjoying some of the goods too.

Kylie Likes Me!

I'm working from home today and had Kylie out while I was doing some work on my laptop and guess what .... she regurgitated for me. Awww ... I love you to tweetie :) Of course its not a good idea to encourage this behavior, so I backed off when she did it. But for the hour that she was out she did it every time I went over to her and gave her scratches. We're also making progress with step-ups as well. When she first came home with us, she was understandably nervous and for quite some time wouldn't step up reliably. Over the past few days, I definitely see a noticeable improvement.

It has been almost 2 months since she joined our flock and she clearly likes me over anyone else in the house ... she is still a little skittish around my husband and step-son.

I've updated with pictures. I had Kylie out again this afternoon and snapped a couple pictures.

Now that we are really starting to get to know each other she truly is a little sweetheart. She has the sweetest little demeanor and is always so happy to see her mommy! Its unbelievable how much Lucy, Jessie and Kylie bring to my life. I can't imagine life without them now.

Toy Factory - The Sequel

Before I started making toys, Lucy had playtime on the gym. Here are the pictures showing how she makes her way over to Kylie's cage. Out of cage time consists of Lucy making her way over to Kylie's cage at least a dozen times. I always put her back on top of her cage and she eventually makes her way back over to see Kylie. Lucy's fascination with Kylie has not weaned at all.

Finally got there. I cover the side of Kylie's cage because Kylie has gone after Lucy a few times. I'm always more cautious than I need to be.

Then it was toy making time. Jessie joined me on the floor and hung out on the toy box with me.

Jessie got his beak on a spare toy part and was having a good time chewing.

Looking around the toy box for anything interesting.

First 2 toys.

3rd toy

I made a few more and had Kylie on the toy box with me ... but the batteries ran out on my camera and I'm all out. Kylie was so cute that I regret not being able to get pictures of her. Oh well ... there's always next time.

Toy Factory

It looked like a toy factory earlier this afternoon. I made some new toys for my babies today.

Lucy's toy

Kylie's Toy
Kylie didn't waste any time

Jessie's toy ... hopefully he won't be afraid of this one for a few days.

Kylie - Just Because

I'm really getting frustrated with my 5 year old point and shoot camera, so I don't take pictures every time the birds are out. Christmas is coming up and I've dropped a million hints that I want a new one ... hopefully Santa comes through for me ;o)

Anyways, here are a few pictures of Kylie when she was out on Thursday night.

She's a silly little girl ... she was lightly tapping her beak against the wall in this picture.

Things for Wings Order

Here's a picture of the order I just received from Things for Wings. There are going to be some busy beaks around here for the next little while :)

Kylie Time!

Tonight was Kylie's night! I've felt guilty over the past few days because I've been fighting a cold and I usually keep a distance from the birds when I'm sick. I'm probably being like an over protective parront, but I don't want to take any unnecessary risks. Anyways, I'm feeling back to normal today, so I spent some time with Kylie tonight. She wasn't really interested in hanging on the jungle gym tonight. It was all about getting as many scratches as possible tonight. Here are a few pics taken inbetween the scratch sessions.

And the good news is ... she stepped up for me when it was time to go back in her cage. I still got a little nip, but its progress. Usually she flies away from me. I will be doing some behavioral work with Cory, the girl I adopted Kylie from, and we're going to try and focus on getting a more reliable step up. I'm looking forward to working with Kylie and in the process hopefully build a stronger bond and relationship with her.

Personalities

My birds fascinate me every day. I love nothing better than spending the day with them and interacting with them and watching them. For those of you that own more than one bird (or any kind of animal really) you all know that they have different personalities. Today while I was preparing lunch for the birds, I wanted to share some of their cute little personality querks.

Today's lunch. A mix of red and green peppers, cucumber and apple.

I am still getting to know Kylie's likes and dislikes, but I do know from her previous owner that she was fed a fresh organic diet. So I don't need to worry when I offer fresh food to Kylie. She never hesitates and digs right in. After I gave her lunch today I just watched her. She went over to the bowl right away and started moving pieces of food around ... checking things out. This is a picture of her picking an apple as the first thing to eat ... and she ate it over her bowl.

Then a few minutes later, she picked up a piece of red pepper and took it a perch close to her bowl. She mixes things up ... she eats over her bowl and sometimes she takes food elsewhere in her cage to eat.
Lucy is my funniest little eater. I don't think I'll ever have a weight issue with her :) She goes down to her bowl, gets a piece of food and then climbs up to the highest perch to eat. It takes her twice as long to eat as Jessie.

Then there is Jessie. He always eats right over his bowl and shreds everything. When he's done, there is only shredded food left in his bowl.

Over the next little while, I'll try to share some of there cute little personality querks, because there are many of them.

Some Lucy and Jessie Time

The past couple weeks have been all about Kylie, rightfully so, but tonight was all about spending time with Lucy and Jessie. Lucy is obsessed with Kylie! She is so curious that as soon as she gets out of her cage, she makes her way over to see Kylie. At least she spends some time on the jungle gym before going onto her cage.

Lucy on a mission .... she's getting closer.And closer.

I unfortunately stopped taking pictures by the time she climbed onto Kylie's cage. I let them go for a few seconds, but got Lucy to step up before they could get too close.

Then it was Jessie's turn. He actually posed for some pictures tonight. Usually he just tries to attack the camera.

My little monkey being a cutie :)