The Fab Four. And Their Parrot

The Beatles arrived in Seattle fifty years ago this past week, August 25, 1966, for their second and last appearance in the Emerald City. Which of course got us to thinking about John, Paul, George, and Ringo. And parrots. Because, why not?

And sure enough:

We found John and Paul posing with a parrot. Though Paul didn't seem particularly happy about it.

Ringo, however, was clearly comfortable with the Blue and Gold macaw on his shoulder.

John seemed to have a particular affinity for this Blue and Gold macaw parrot.

We're still searching for a photo of George with a parrot. Don't think this one counts.

Here's George in the vicinity of a parrot. If anybody knows of a photo of George with a parrot, please send us a link and we will happily post it.

Even better, if anyone knows the backstory to the Blue and Gold macaw parrot on set with The Beatles please share!

Feathered Hoodlums

This story, in its entirety, appeared on New Zealand's Stuff website.

Kea [parrot] ruffles residents' feathers in Marlborough
By Paula Hulburt
August 18 2016

A kea has been spotted in Onamalutu Valley, west of Blenheim

Residents in rural Marlborough are on the lookout for a feathered hoodlum vandalising property.

A rogue kea has been spotted in the Onamalutu Valley, about 25 kilometres west of Blenheim, leaving bicycle seats and spa pool covers in its wake.

The Department of Conservation has warned residents to keep an eye out for the troublesome bird.

Letters have gone out to homeowners asking them to actively discourage the cheeky parrots by squirting them with water from a hose.

DOC biosecurity supervisor Mike Avis said the birds had not been seen in the valley for a number of years.

"They are hoons and hoodlums and shouldn't be encouraged," he said. "They are usually found in the Richmond ranges so are a bit off their patch."

It was unconfirmed whether it was one or two birds wreaking havoc in the Onamalutu as reports differed and they had not been seen together.

"Tempting as it may be to feed them and keep them around it is not the best thing for them," Avis said. "They get bored and are clever birds who like to find out about their environments. They are inquisitive and that's how they get into trouble and how they've learnt to survive in areas where other parrots can't.

"They get up on the roofs of older style homes and eat the lead piping and it kills them."

DOC sent out the letters last week as a precaution and worked in conjunction with the Kea Conservation Trust to ensure people knew what to do.

The kea was the only truly alpine parrot in the world, and gained early notoriety among settler farmers for attacks on sheep. Their antics were a source of amusement to many but they also had a reputation for causing chaos.

Kea were unusual in that they actively sought out and interacted with people and their property.

Avis said the parrots loved to go exploring.

"They definitely have their foibles and people either love them or don't want them around."

Anyone who sees a kea should contact DOC to report the sighting and to get advice on 03 572 9100.

Without a doubt this has to be the finest piece of unintentionally sarcastic news writing this year:

DOC biosecurity supervisor Mike Avis said the birds had not been seen in the valley for a number of years. "They are hoons and hoodlums and shouldn't be encouraged," he said. "They are usually found in the Richmond ranges so are a bit off their patch."

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Are You Ready For Some Football? What is up with the Rio Olympics, anyway? We're still trying to wrap our head around the idea of holding Summer Olympics where it's Winter in Rio!

It's been a long drought since February. Our Seattle SeaParrots are super-excited to finally see some real NFL football on TV. Especially our SeaPrincess our Hyacinth macaw parrot Princess Tara. But heck, all of our parrots love the noise, action, and excitement of a football game.

Go Seahawks!

Blue Tara Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

Blue Tara Mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

Blue Tara, known as Ekajati in Tibetan mythology, is one of the 21 Taras, and one of the most fierce and powerful Goddesses.

According to Tibetan legend, Blue Tara is a manifestation of the Bon Goddess of Heaven, whose right eye was pierced by the tantric master Guru Padmasambhava, so that She could much more efficaciously help him subjugate Tibetan demons.

She is known as the mother of the mothers of all the Buddhas.

The Great Ballard Cookie Caper

Our Blue and Gold macaw parrot Aboo can't visit Seattle's Sunday Ballard Farmers Market without scoring his favorite cookie from the ladies at his favorite Seattle bakery, Ballard's Tall Grass Bakery.

Aboo wide-eyed and ecstatic getting an oatmeal raisin cookie from his friend Jessica

Keeping your parrot on a short leash helps. Especially when your parrot is one of the biggest moochers at the farmers market!