While photographing Red-headed woodpeckers yesterday morning at Lake Betz in Morrisville NC, I spotted something unusual up in one of the trees.
It’s bright yellow and green plumage made for an unmistakable ID, a Budgerigar (Budgie/Parakeet)!

As you might expect, Budgerigars aren’t native to North Carolina. My best guess is that this is an escaped pet from somewhere within the Cary or Morrisville area.

He appeared healthy and seemed quite content to hang out with the Purple Martins and Woodpeckers.
At least until one of the juvenile Red-headed Woodpeckers pulled his long tail.
Check out the photo below to see that moment, lol!

Budgies are native to Australia. Since its introduction into captivity, these gorgeous little birds have been bred into a variety of color forms, including pure white, blue, yellow, mauve, olive and grey. In the wild, Budgerigars are small green and yellow parrots, with black barring above, and a small patch of blue on the cheek.

We’ve got hurricane Isaias/ tropical storm moving into the area tonight so I hope that this little guy makes it through ok.
Perhaps one of the abandoned Woodpecker holes would serve as a safe place for him to weather the storm.

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame SLR, the @canonusa
#5Ds