January 19, 2009 [LINK / comment]
It was one year ago today that we brought home from the pet store a new male canary: Luciano, named after the Italian opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who passed away in October 2007. Our Luciano has adapted very well to the home environment, signing vigorously every day, and being very affectionate (sometimes too affectionate) toward Princess. His only physical defect is a a missing claw on his back right toe, but that doesn't seem to hinder his ability to perch. He is very friendly, to the point of boldly approaching us. Sometimes he will even perch on my shoulder, arm, or leg to get food treats he wants. He has been somewhat more subdued lately, resting in secluded corners more frequently, a possible sign that molting season is about to begin.
For her part, Princess is somewhat more animated lately, chirping and flapping her wings more often, and even making short "flights" of a couple feet distance. The bad feather in her right wing, which had an infected follicle, is finally growing back in, and we are hopeful she will recover full aerial mobility one of these days.