Pleasant surprise today

[Betrisher]

Today, I was standing in a queue at the bank with my sister (who is a most disagreeable and obstinate person, but that's not important right now). As I waited for the clerk to waffle around in her cash drawer, I heard a wolf whistle behind me. Looking round, I couldn't seen anyone who looked like a wolf-whistler: all the people in the bank were grey-haired pensioners, it being Pension Day. I turned back and our clerk continued to rummage in her drawers.

Another wolf whistle. I thought I must be dreaming as I turned back for the second time. On the third occasion, though, the queue of pensioners laughed in unison so I turned right round and had a good look. A young guy was standing at a different counter with a gorgeous male Eclectus parrot on his shoulder and the lead of its harness in his hand. All the pensioners and the teller who was rummaging in her drawers on his behalf were spellbound as the bird sang and danced along its master's arm.

What a thoroughly beautiful bird he was! I'd say he was an adult by his colours and the excellent feather he was in. He called out 'Peter! Peter! I want you right now!' and everyone died laughing. Then, he whistled a bit of a tune and reached out to shake an old man's finger. He was a credit to his owner, who was clearly very proud of him and very careful to see he was safe and clear of anyone who might grab at him.

I was spellbound. I've never seen anyone with a bird on a harness before (well - except for Tab's photos of herself and Fargo going outdoors). This was such a treat and I'd have loved to stop and speak to the bird and his guy, only the Ugly Sister went striding out ahead of me and I was forced to scurry after her. Ooooo! Little sisters should be et at birth! :22_yikes:

 

[MikeyTN]

I love my JoJo, he says the darnest thing at the right timing.....Except I can't bring him out to the public cause he is terrified of strangers. Whenever someone visits he'll scream at the top of his lungs and flutters. So I no longer have anyone in the bird room anymore. People run out the moment he screams anyways....lol

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh how fun to see! I don't take my parrots out, and I never see any in public. I meant to harness train Raven and Griffin from when I got them at 4 months old, but I quickly found that Raven would have no part of me handling him, (Don has gotten a harness on him a couple times, but he doesn't like it) and Griffin, well now he's a year old and I don't know if I missed the window or not. I still want to at least get him one of those cute hoodie jackets and try it, but the hot summer is coming. Maybe I can get it, and by the time the weather gets decent again he'll be used to it lol.

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

Aww, how fun! Eclectus are gorgeous birds, too bad you didn't get a chance to talk to him!

 

[Minimaker]

That's neat you can take them into public places like banks. Here in "rules everywhere no fun land"-there's a sign on every door that says no pets allowed except service animals.

 

[Allee]

Trish, thanks for sharing your lovely experience! The eclectus and his owner certainly brightened the atmosphere in the bank, very nice of the proud owner to allow his bird to make others smile.

Lmao at your remark about little sisters, Trish! If only....