~ Bungwing ~
![bungwingbestfr.jpg](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bungwingbestfr.jpg)
![dbirdsmx.gif](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dbirdsmx.gif)
Below are a couple more photo's of
Bungwing you might like. More information and stories on Bungwing a little further down
on the page.
![wsbungwife.jpg](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/wsbungwife.jpg)
This is Bungwing on the right
and his wife. Unfortunately Bung is no longer with us, due most likely I would think, to natural attrition.
He was there as usual and one day, simply did not return. I called and called for days, but he was nowhere
to be seen. We have not seen him since. A new very much younger male bird is in attendance
on the remaining females, who are also in their 20's. I am not too familiar with the habits of birds, but I suspect
that Bungwing either moved aside to allow a younger male to take his place, or he simply came to the end of his natural
life.
I so miss the dear old chap -
he was such a treasure, and for such a long time.
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I have to tell the story of one
particular day of 114°F I thought I'd seen the last of dear old Bung. This was a few years back. I
had been out in my car and arrived home to see 'a magpie' up against a neighbours fence with his wings spread right out, his
head turned upward with neck arched backwards. I was mortified and rushed over to him - I knew it was Bungwing.
And I thought he was gone - in the heat. As I approached, he moved - then he assumed an upright position, ruffled
his feathers and waddled off under a tree ! I went after him, still thinking the worst, wanting him to fly a few
paces. Well of course he wouldn't - and I am rummaging around under neighbour's bushes - flapping my arms (in the
heat - whew) ... forgetting that Bung would never fly away from me. I should've realised that.
Had a brilliant idea.
Went and got some meat from the refridgerator and whistled. Oh he could fly alright. Landed within
a second on the balcony and received his treat. Apparently he was 'sunning' himself ! IN THAT
HEAT ? I later on saw several other birds doing the same thing. Perhaps it is in fact a way that
they keep cool on a hot day - who knows - you would think they'd at least try to keep cool in the shade !!!!!!!!
That was one big fright over and done with.
![blackornatevsmalldiv.gif](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/blackornatevsmalldiv.gif)
We have many native Australian
birds living, nesting and feeding in our garden.
Above was my precious Bungwing,
so named as he had a mis-shapen right wing which hung down noticeably. This didn't affect his ability to fly at
all. He became tame when very young, and I whistled for him to come and
get some mince beef tucker, or sweet biscuits. He would swoop down and sit on the patio railing, taking the food from
my fingers - ever so gently. He was usually accompanied by his wife.
He was always in the garden
to greet me when I come home from shopping - softly warbling his greeting and waddling over to the car to stick his beak
into the bags of shopping I had.
It was priceless - - and very precious.
![bung3.jpg](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bung3.jpg)
Farewell my fine feathered friend.
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