Photo by Dave Location: Waynesboro, VA Flocking: Galah "Bandit" & African grey "Cressi"

We have always longed for our three macaws to flock together when they fly, and they have done it a few times but for the most part they fly separately. In fact the other day in Virginia two of them practically hit each other in mid flight changing directions. But lately Cressi, our Congo African grey parrot and Bandit, our male galah (or rose breasted cockatoo) have been flocking together. Cressi has been more ambitious lately and her flights have been amazing. She turns tightly around trees and dives in and out and takes off before the others, landing last. She has been doing a great job and we’ve had so much fun watching her do so. Bandit decided to join her on one of the days she took off and headed for the fields. She flew long and hard into the field and all around and he took off joining her. He follows her and stays with her, celebrating most of the way as if to say, “Heck yeah! Me too! Where are we going? Oh my gosh look how far away we are! This is so much fun! Where to next? Weeee!” He keeps up with her and it has been awesome to see them flock together. Birds are so much safer in a flock, even if it’s just a pair of two! Two is better than one they say, right? I’m lucky enough that Dave’s a great enough photographer that he’s able to catch moments like these so we can share them.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.