The Nature of "Inside Cats"

"Sung" - the dynastic cat.
My friend George, of Lower Ranelagh, is the first person I have known who has successfully trained his cats to adjust to life totally inside a house.

This is such a success that George also has the most wonderful collection of wild birds which come to visit his feeding table, and water bowls. His feeders and water bowls are close to the adjacent garden, where the birds can seek protection, and natural food, and even nest making materials, or display areas (for the Bowerbirds).
"Clyde" - the friendliest cat
it has ever been my pleasure to know.

I love going around to George's place, and sitting in the kitchen and watching the steady stream of birds, coming in to the feeder table. They come to the feeder just outside the glass doors - in full view of people inside the kitchen - in my case, having some of George's finest coffee.


My particular favourites are the Wonga Pigeons. They like to walk in, along the paved courtyard, and pick at seeds spilled by the more aggressive parrots. Or else, they make their way laboriously along through the garden, and then jump up on a sculpture-adorned bird bath, to get a drink.

Sometimes, if they are feeling a bit shy, and wish to avoid attention, they even climb up a long flight of rock steps, and walk back down to the feed table, through the heavy cover provided by the dense Azaleas.

The King Parrots, both male and females, are the top of the line, amongst the parrots. They claim priority at the feeder, over Crimson Rosellas.






Although, sometimes, a bold Rosella will sneak in as quietly as it can, beside a King Parrot.

The Parrots all claim priority over the Satin Bowerbirds, even though these birds often outnumber the parrots. They sit patiently on perches and small garden plants, waiting for their chance to visit the feeder.

The Pied Currawongs are the most dominant birds which visit George's feeder. It is not surprising, as few birds (or people) would argue with those guys, with their huge beaks, and bright (scary) yellow eyes.