Fun Jungle Visitors

An unusual visitor for church.

I heard the loud flapping of wings as a jungle bird landed on the verandah of the house. From the window I could see a hornbill sitting on the railing. Several times she made loud squawking sounds. I grabbed the camera and inched over to the door to get a picture. She turned her head and watched my movement, but didn’t fly away.  After getting a few pictures through the screen, I stepped out the door to see if I could get a better photo. Instead of being afraid, she eyed me with caution. Within a few feet of her, I was able to get a couple great pictures before she flew away.

Yes, she was a girl. I found out later that she was the pastor family’s pet bird. Her name was Balago;
the local name for hornbill.

The first Sunday back at the local church service, another interesting visitor showed up. A cockatoo flew in to see what was happening at church—probably wondering where his human mommy was. He sat on the ledge awhile and dozed while we had the service. Afterward the kids went up to pet him and scratch his head.

When these birds are found as babies, sometimes they take them home as a pet just as these were. It’s fun to watch their personalities. When the cockatoo flew to church again last week, he found where his human mommy was, sat on the ledge next to her, and looked at her making quiet chirping sounds. He seemed to be complaining.

Since I sat next to her I asked, “Is he hungry?”

“Yes,” she said, “he wants to eat.”

He would complain awhile and then start to doze while he waited for her. Once the service was over, she sent her son to feed him.

Papua New Guinea is known for its many beautiful birds. And these two certainly had fun personalities.

(C) 2016 Carin G. LeRoy