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Bright foreigner visits Thorpe birdtable
An unexpected and colourful visitor to a Thorpe couple's birdfeeder was a bright alternative to the average starling.
This stunning golden mantle rosella first appeared in the back garden of bird lovers Kim Fletcher and Clive Anderson at their home in Burway Crescent, Laleham Reach in June, but had returned several times since.
Ms Fletcher said they regularly had green parakeets and other birds visiting, but this was a visitor completely out of the blue.
She explained: "Clive was working at his computer when he heard an unusual bird call, he knew it was different as we are avid bird lovers and have several feeders in the back garden, visited daily by hoards of birds and a few hungry squirrels.
"Fortunately he had his camera handy so made his way into the garden to see if he could spot what was making this strange sound. After a few minutes this magnificent bird landed on one of the feeders, Clive couldn't believe his eyes, but managed to take several pictures, which he showed to me when I arrived home."
Ms Fletcher said the first visit was in early June, but the welcome has returned on and off since, including visits throughout July.
Where this mysterious but beautiful parrot, which hails originally from Australia, came from remains unknown. The couple have been in touch with a number of local zoos and stately homes to track it down, but fear it could just be an escaped pet.
In the mean time, she said they are just pleased to have it visit.
She said: "I don't know if it will remain or if it will visit again, but Clive and I feel very flattered and lifted at the fact that such a glorious creature should choose our garden out of many thousands to sit quietly and eat in.
"In fact we have just heard it again now, so perhaps he will return for a spot more food."
Have you seen this bird? What is the strangest or most exotic creature you have had in your garden? Contact us at www.stainesnews.co.uk or comment below
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