Hmmm... I don't know if this is a vent or a story, but here goes...
I took Ashling to the markets last weekend, as she loves the hustle and bustle and all the bright colors and interesting things to see. While walking along, people would come up to us and hold out a finger to Ash for her to climb on and they'd take her off me! Why does no one ask first? When I was sitting at a cafe, a lady came up and started chatting with me about Ash, then took Ash off me and actually walked away and sat down at a table with her, saying she'll be 'back in a minute!!!'
An older lady came up to us while we were walking and before I could react... went straight to stroke Ashling on the
back! Of course Ash lunged at the lady to scare her away, but then the lady made to
swipe at Ash and said, "It shouldn't bite me." Instead of swiping angrily back at the lady, I patiently told her you have to move slowly and, if anything, pat the head (not the back) like this... and showed her. Her reply was "Yes, I
know birds."
Although, I met a nice couple who rehabilitate wild animals. The husband showed me a picture of their baby Tawny Frogmouth and told me how it was learning to land by watching birds do it on tv. They also had some cockatoos and a magpie, and often had lorikeets
So what adventures have you had with your fids... and what were the reactions of people not so acquainted with birds?