I have shared this on another group, but wanted to post here as well. I had the enormous pleasure of meeting the infamous "Spike le Bec", Sally Blanchard's partner in crime and 'hero & villian' of many of her wonderful books, this past weekend.
Through her books and descriptions of him, one gets a picture of the "Jekyl and Hyde" personality, but he is really just a true loving, playful, mischevious, independent, beaky, animated, and fabulous black headed caique!
I felt fortunate Spike seemed to 'like me', and I was able to play with him for about an hour while visiting with Sally.
He does a back flip in her hand, sings part of Over the Rainbow, and he falls over on his side when she 'shoots' him with her finger.
I was totally smitten and I'm looking forward to spending more time with him soon.
Thanks for letting me share my excitement!
Sky

That was wonderful!! You were very lucky. I've read about him too and he is quite the character from her stories.

How awesome is that! Did you get any pictures?

I had driven to Loveland to get together with Sally, and some other folks about a presentation we're all giving in August so I didn't even think about a camera

We'll be getting together again at the end of June and you can be SURE I'll remember it then! I obviously wasn't even thinking before I left home - I had secretly hoped I'd at least get to see him, let alone meet him, so I can't imagine why I didn't just slip it inside my purse. Good grief...

Next time for sure.
Sky

How exciting! He does have quite the reputation! I've heard he is 19 years old.

Pictures next time please.

What a fantastic opportunity! You might want to check out the latest issue of Bird Talk as there is an article in it by Sally Blanchard in which she tells tales about Spikey Le Bec.

Oh thank you for that info. I'll pick up a copy this week. I truly had a great time and I'll get pics next time!!
Sky

That is funny. Sounds like a wonderful experience. Caiques are such great birds.