) so was not surprised to see another bird in there, as I have had silvereyes, various honeyeaters and even splendid wrens picking through the aviary at times. Then I noticed that it was black and white.... Having no native species in the area that small with that colouration, I stepped back and waited a few minutes for it to return. Strike me down I saw this little bloke:
I have a (rapidly growing) breeding colony of these guys myself, but had not noticed any escape! I did a thorough check of all the aviary to check for any possible escape holes, but could find nothing at all. My only 2 possible conclusions are that A) at some time he has slipped quietly into the safety door with me, stayed quiet and still when I waved my arm around my head (as I do every single time I exit the aviaries it's a good habit!!!) to check for any birds doing just this and THEN flew out the door when I opened it, without me noticing, or B), he's somebody else's bird that has somehow been attracted to the racket my double bars make when calling to each other.Anyway, 15 minutes later he was caught up, checked for injuries or illness (none), and is now happily in my holding aviary. He is either one of mine, or was REAAAALLY hungry, because as soon as I had the catching cage set up (inside the cockies cage where he was foraging) he was in it and caught. Absolutely stumped
but all's well that ends well!
