I've wanted to post about this previously but was waiting for a little more confirmation on what I believed. I think I just got that confirmation..

Jerry is an accomplished talker, talking all the time nonstop, full sentences, some context. Winston is older and a rehome, and I've never expected him to speak a word - but at the same time was curious if he would pick up things from Jerry since budgies are such good mimickers of EACH OTHER. I've read other cases of this, but had no clue about Winston, especially since he is already at least a year old.

When I sit at the computer here, the birds are generally in their cages (I'm cooking dinner right now so that's a given). I have Jerry directly to my back and Winston to my right. Jerry has had Winston's warbles and songs down pat for weeks now and I often get them confused if I can't hear the direction from which it's coming or see who's singing. Winston has picked up a few of Jerry's calls, and Lulu's contact call, but he doesn't use them all the time, he mainly sings in his own voice.

So a minute ago Jerry was silent, Lulu was silent, and Winston was singing, and again it was mostly his own voice with some of Jerry's noises interspersed here and there. And then amongst the singing I hear very clearly, "I love you!" It was more sing-songy than Jerry, but clear at the same time. And it most definitely came from my right, with no interjections from Jerry behind me.

I've thought that I've heard something similar on a couple occasions in the past but chalked it up to my imagination and that it had to be Jerry. But just now there was no background noise for confusion and it so clearly came from the right side.

This all just got so much more interesting!!

Aw Sarah that is the sweetest thing. He's trying so hard to fit into his new life. To me it speaks volumes to the positive attitude, strength and resiliance of these birds. Finding themselves homeless, without families, stuck in cages all alone, eating crappy food, clipped and all the other nightmares they go through and still manage to bounce back.

Winston couldnt have gotten any luckier. And with Jerry he'll have plenty of encouragement to come out of his shell! Thanks for giving them both such a great life and all your commitment.

Thank you for such kind words, Cindy, it means a lot.

Winston is trying very hard to fit in here, and he's doing great, but he still has quite a ways to come out of his shell more. No hurries though, we're letting him move at his own, comfortable pace. He's such a sweetheart, just a joy to have here - he's a fantastic bird. He tries so hard to fly to keep up with Jerry and Lulu when they do laps, and although he still has to gain a lot of muscle strength and stamina before he can really keep up, he tries EVERY time. He plays with toys now too - not nearly as vigorously that Jerry does, but he tugs and beaks things (he really like paper lacing).

I am touched that "I love you" are the first understandable words out of his mouth. Jerry says it all the time so I shouldn't be surprised, but it's a nice thing to hear always

I am completely blown away! That's so great & very sweet.

How many months have they been together now? 3?

Rio has baby chirps still - wonder if he'll imitate Laker's big call.

that is so good, real nice he says "i love you"

Also, IME The English are more reserved and distinguished. not just the humans, the birds too....lol

So I doubt he'll ever be "Next Bird Comic Standing" like Jerry but it's gonna be great to see him relax and grow.

I'm so proud of both you girls, Jac and Sarah making the leap to add a Budgie friend. You've changed all of their lives tremendously.

<shhh....but I'm hoping Rio turns out to be a girl lol >

I'm blown away too!! And I was just looking at my old posts from when he came home - we brought him home on 3/11/07 - he hasn't even been home 3 months yet! It feels like it's been a lot longer than that.

I'm sure Rio will very soon be copying Laker's every move and sound, he sounds very smitten

Yeah I don't have my hopes up that Winston will be a comedian - he sure is more distinguished already - I figured Jerry would have him starting off with phrases like, "Jerry's a GOOD BOY!" (by the way Jerry's now very into saying Sweetie and Sweetheart, usually saying, "Hey Sweetheart, what ya doin'?" He's such the little ladies man!!)

So you're hoping for Rio to be a girl?? That would be quite the shock if that turned out!!

What a sweet story. Each day with Winston brings more joy and happiness (to all of us!). Aren't you so glad you took him in?

Wow, I'm impressed! He picked it up very quickly! And such a sweet phrase to learn!

Kathie, I am SO GLAD I took him in. He's honestly such a happy bird all the time, just very sweet. He still has a strict "no touching" rule, but he likes being near us and being a part of everything. And since we have no issues getting him in and out of his cage we don't mind the no touching rule. He does accidentally land on us sometimes, the other day he landed on my arm and then he realized what happened and he promptly flew away

Camille I always think of you and Ollie when I hear my guys say that - I hope she says it for you some day!!