02_25_12 Parrot Portraits

Dave has been practicing some portrait techniques. Happily we have some beautiful models in the house. Thought I'd share some of his work and take the time to provide an update. Things are still not easy here with Ferne's death. They'll never be the same.

Henri is not too affected by it since he pretty much has a one track mine and it's "Callie Callie Callie Callie mate mate mate mate." He is a jovial bird! And we've discovered he does love having his photo taken. The first two photos posted here are Henri. He's 33 years old this year and slowing a bit. He has TIA frequently, but he has recovered from all of them so far. One of these times he won't though.

Henri is especially photogenic because a) he's beautiful and b) he's a ham. He sings and whistles and displays for the camera. A natural model. He can also be serene and handsome - as the second photo posted shows.

The next two photos are of Clover. She and Gabbie continue to be the two birds most affected by Ferne's death. Clover is definitely sad and lonely. All of her routines are thrown off. I take her to shower, but there is no joy in it. When she showered with Ferne, they hopped around and flapped their wings and just had the best time. It's like she doesn't know what to do without him. Even sitting on this plant for photos her sadness was clear. She's never sat there without Ferne. She's only talked a few times since he died. Both times she said "Hi Ferne" :(

Clover is a bit younger than Ferne - when she hatched, Ferne was already a part of her family. She's never lived alone and it's clear she doesn't like it. She's decided she wants to move in with Henri. I think a cage mate is important. Unfortunately, Henri will have nothing to do with that idea. He does not want Clover near him. It's sad because she keeps asking and he's clear the answer is no.

Gabbie is still sounding his 'call the flock' chirp for Ferne. (The next photo is Gabbie). He repeatedly has me carry him out of his room calling for Ferne for some time. He still does it on some days. When I leave the room with any bird, he is frantic. He's always been a very sensitive bird. With Ferne gone, he wants to hang out with Clover. Clover is clear that she does not want that. So Gabbie's time is spent half calling for Ferne and half wanting to sit (and be rejected) by Clover.

Taking photos of Gabbie is difficult. Having him on the plant and away from even one of the other birds upsets him. And it is clear in many photos. Today, I brought Clover in the room while Gabbie was on the plant. You can see his eyes in one photo when he first saw her - he is crazy about her. This secret love affair has been going on for years. Now he just knows Ferne can't stop him from being more obvious about it. It's sad seeing him rejected so much.

The next two photos of Grace. She's been the quietest since the bird hierarchy was blown up. She's a lot like Ferne in that she'll hang in the background while the attention hogs do their thing. She had a secret crush on Ferne her whole life. She's a sweet bird, but a little more subdued than usual. I can't imagine what they all think. The final photo is of Gabbie and Grace. Though they live together, it's always been a bro/sis thing. That hasn't changed.

I will try to post more blogs in the future. We've got some activities coming up, as well as a some travel. I'll do my best to get to my old blogging ways asap.

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