April 30, 2008 [LINK / comment]

May-November canary romance

Full of male hormonal urges, and taking note of what the male birds outside are doing as spring unfolds, Luciano has been "courting" Princess more and more aggressively in recent weeks. Even though she is old enough (7+ years) to be his great-grandmother (canaries breed once or more a year), she is nevertheless often quite receptive to his wooing. Seeing her "seductive" chirping for the "new bird on the block" (he replaced George, who died in January) is quite poignant: It's a real "May-November romance." Since Princess is lame, however, and well past her breeding years (the last time she laid eggs was in December 2006), there are limits as to what she can do. So, Luciano keeps getting frustrated, and sometimes we have to protect Princess from his over-eager advances, keeping them apart. Like a college-age youth, it will take some time for Luciano to learn the proper way to a (female bird's) heart. Stay tuned for another exciting chapter of Canary Romance!

Luciano stretches his tail feathers, enjoying the sunlight in the window, along with Princess. (March 2)

Goldie

Adopted in June 2000 after she flew into a relative's apartment. Traveled with us to South Dakota September-October, 2000. Laid 16 eggs altogether. Died March 15, 2001 of an apparent infection.

Detailed background

George

Purchased January 20, 2001 (Inauguration Day, hence his name) in Stuarts Draft, VA. Aggressive, curious, superb singer, but more subdued during molting months.

Detailed background

Princess

Purchased April 2001 but suffered tragic leg injury on the day we bought her. Calm disposition but can be feisty around George, and often calls for him loudly when he's not in the same room. Prodigious egg laying, all for nought.

Detailed background