Introducing: MIA

In order to discourage Boo's constant chirping to his mother (who is on another floor, but still, seems distracted), we have gotten him a new companion. Her name is Mia. She is lovely, white with a yellowish face, and a bit of other delicate coloring.
We were going to adopt, but, the hassle factor was SO high: we had to first drive to fill out an application. Then, when our application is approved, meet the bird. Then, get a home visit from some Takoma Park Hippie. Then, drive out and get the bird. All this for a budgie? I mean, yes, adoption is the right thing to do. But they need to lower the bar a bit, at least, on this. I mean, its a BUDGIE. And budgies are $25 at Petsmart. Which is where we got Mia. Walk in, get a budgie, walk out. I feel a bit guilty, but, hey, mission accomplished.
So far, Boo seems to hate her. At least, they spend a fair amount of their time pushing each other off of perches. He also pecks at her. But, he seems a bit deferential, as well. She comes in from the Budgie Bin, where it was a "Bird eat Bird" world, and he has known nothing but pampering and adoration. We will see where this goes, and, if it helps Mary ann and Sutcliffe FINALLY get the lovin' they need from each other.
On a general blogging note: I wonder if I should get myself one of these t-shirts for myself? http://www.onehorseshy.com/highbrow/no_one_cares_about_your_blog/.

A Move in the Right Direction

Today when I went to feed Sutcliffe and Mary ann, both scuttled hastily into the nest box. A very good sign! This is the first time I have seen them in the nest box since Boo came home (about a month ago). I had quite a few thing to do in the vicinity of the couples cage (it being Saturday: they are near the laundry; also, I had to tidy the cage and the surrounding area). From time to time, they headed into the nest box either singly, or together. Sutcliffe was looking at it yesterday: today he is the one who was in it more. Boo continues to make loud "tweeEEEP tweeEEP" noises, and his mother seems to hear them, but, hopefully, this nesting behavior will continue and flourish.

Everything is Hot but Sutcliffe and Maryann

The weather has been downright miserable lately. Simply, too hot. The budgies are in a screened in porch, and in their cages, and while it is perfectly alright for them (they have shade, food, water, and get spray showers from a spray bottle daily) they still don't seem in the mood for love. Maryann has begun some gnawing on a cherry branch stick, a good sign, I think, as it seems to be related to nesting behavior, and also, pulling the occasional nesting material out of the purchased "nesting hair cylinder", but otherwise, no signs at all of breeding potential. This could be a bust!!! lets hope not!