Three Cockatoos in Training With Their Coach
Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle
Cockatoo Olympic training is bird play
It’s hard work training for the cockatoo Olympics.
The coaches like to crack the whip. They stand on you and flap their wings — anything to put you off your game.
And the other competitors screech all the time. But we’re tough. We’re the best of the best. Claw or beak, we can hang about for ages.
Don’t believe me? Check out our video.
Claw is up first. He likes to hang about on one leg. The twins attempt some synchronised beak hanging. Twin two is a bit slow off the mark. Then Coach waddles over and puts me off my game by standing on my legs.
Batty is up last. He does the best Batman impression I’ve ever seen, but don’t tell him I said so — he’s already full of himself.
The white cockatoos that hang around outside my school library are very playful. Lately, they’ve taken to hanging off the sun sails in the playground.
Claw or beak, they hang about upside down like they’re trying to outdo each other. There’s always one running about on top of the sail, trying to tip the others off. It seems like a fun game.
Once the kidlets come out for lunch, the cockatoos swoop and glide away to a safe distance. But the moment the siren sounds, they’re back for their lunchtime feast. They fossick about for ages, hunting for any scraps left behind.
More Six Word Photo Stories in the Bird Saga from Sandi:
Part 1: Australian Ringnecks in The Bed and Breakfast Joint is Open
Part 2: The Pink Galahs Came Back
Part 3: How To Live Your Best Life
Part 4: The White Cockatoos Have Moved In
Part 5: Feeding Time at the Menagerie
Part 6: Two for the Price of One
Sandi Parsons is an award-winning school librarian with over 20 years experience working in educational libraries. She lives with her favorite husband, two problem puppies, and a wingspan of wild birds.
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