Article and Photographs Courtesy of Tom Mangelsdorf
A couple of years ago I was surprised to see two brightly colored birds feeding on a sock full of thistle seeds I have hanging in the yard. I took a few pictures at the time and then they disappeared. Well, they’re back two years later.
I discovered these are wild Peach-Faced Lovebirds, and they’re native to southwest Africa. Apparently years ago, a local aviary released a bunch of them into the wild. Come to find out, they love the dry, arid climate and began breeding like airborne bunnies over the years. There are now several hundred (probably many more) in and around the larger metropolitan area of Phoenix. Despite their thriving numbers, they are still an uncommon sight in the greater Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale.
For more information on these exotic looking birds go to: http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazines/bird-talk/2009-february/peach-faced-lovebirds.aspx.
If you’re lucky enough to see one in the wild, you’re sure to stop and take notice.
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