Sultry Husband writes for the website of his employer. He writes all the “news” for the site. Basically he runs around the sanctuary asking all the animal care givers if there are any new arrivals or adoptions, or whatever. One of the big bosses had an idea recently though. He thought that it would be fun to have some more zany and creative stories up on the web. The Photographers are swamped with assignments anyway, so they asked SH if he could carry a point and shoot around with him to capture some of these moments. SH had a better idea, his wife (me if you didn’t remember that heh), has quite a nice camera.
I have had two pictures put up on the web so far. They were far from fabulous, but I plan to learn as I go. The best part though, is that I get to spend time with SH while he is at work. And, I get to feel a bit important as I try to get good shots of the animals and the antics they provide.
This back story brings us to today. We were visiting the bird department today, and we heard that one of our friends there was giving a couple of the Cocatoo’s a bath with the hose. Just a light misting, but they absolutely wave their feathers around, squalk, and just look like they are having a great time.
We asked if I could enter the giant enclosure to get a few good pictures of this misting. One of the birds, Mango by name, was enjoying his bath and just ignored me. I got some great shots of him.
While my back was turned, and I was busy with Mango, the other bird in the enclosure decided that he didn’t like my camera much. I got a great shot of him as I entered the habitat. Anyway, Sydnie quietly snuck around behind me while I was busy. I heard a noise, turned (still holding my camera up), and suddenly had a giant white ball of feathers launching itself at me! He tried to grab hold of my hand with his sizable beak, but I shook him off. He landed on the ground, but instead of giving up the chase, he decided that my feet needed some attention. He bit my shoe hard enough that I felt the pressure in my toes. Man did I ever get out of that place in a hurry.
My hand is still a little sore, but in reality, it could have been much worse. I blame myself, I should have been paying attention to both birds instead of concentrating on the shot. See what I have to sacrifice for my art? heh.
