A Lovebird Named Iki & The Loss of a Friend

Today our dear little lovebird Iki passed. He was 14 years old. I have been crying all day and so has Denny. Little Iki gave us sunshine on days we did not know the sun was shining. It is hard to explain how one tiny little bird could give us so much. I guess you would have had to have known Iki. We LOVED him.

Lately I have been thinking that I must always have a bird in my life. Birds, all birds, bring a magic element I had never imagined before. They actually have as much personality, if not more in many ways, as a dog or cat. It is hard to believe I know. I got my little guy about 10 years ago now and he has changed my thinking about all animals really. Now when I look outside and recognize interaction between wild birds, I smile at their behavior because it is so like my little bird. Yes I have a dear sweet little lovebird and named him Iki, pronounced EEKEE, with long E's. It is Hawaiian for Little Lovebird. My husband Dennis and I are under Iki's spell and totally in love with this little flying creature. He rules the roost in this house as a lot of lovebirds do. He is quite demanding so if you have the bird-bug? Consider that as a lot of people are surprised to learn that. We have fallen in love though and our lives are fuller because of it.

Birdy birdy in the sky

drop some do do

in my eye.

~~*~~

TURN ON SOME MUSIC AS YOU ENJOY MY LENS! CHIRP CHIRP!

This is not the cage I have for our little peach face but I like it and I am thinking about it. We have a pretty big cage for him already that has VERY SAFE latches that are kitty proof. I think that is HUGE if you have cats and a bird. One single scratch from a cat on a bird can bring their end. I don't like seeing cats with birds even if they grew up together.

I first saw my dear little lovebird Iki in an egg! I wanted a pet and had decided upon a bird. I looked in the phone book and found "The Bird Lady" of Kauai. I went to her house and was amazed to see over 70 birds... a variety of them, all chirping and squawking. It was very loud I must say. The Bird Lady and I decided upon the best bird that would suit me as I had never had a bird before. And then... she introduced me to two little eggs and said I could have one of them when they hatched. I went back to visit when little Iki hatched and took him home about a month later. Yippee I was a bird owner.

How did I come up with the name Iki Mono Aloha? Well, it was my husband who came up with it. Living in Hawaii we wanted an Hawaiian name. We LOVED our new little guy so it seemed natural to call him "Little Lovebird" in Hawaiian, and so we did!

THE IMAGE is of my painting "Ipu" a 30x40x2 oil on canvas. The original sold but it is still available in prints, note-cards and giclees.

At around 4:00 pm each day Iki is let out of his cage to fly free in our house. He chirps with happiness and flies around like crazy. His favorite thing is when we finally lie down in bed and we all watch TV. He would love it if that is all we did of course as he wants us at his beck and call. He also makes another demand and he will squawk and squawk until we put a magazine on the bed for him to shred. Ahh me it is a mess but it is all too cute.

This is simple and cheap. No matter how much I spend on toys for Iki he loves a mirror with a little bell the best. Well gosh, who does not love themselves in the mirror? Not you, you say? Too funny cause as I get older me either. BUT birds feel attracted to them. I LOVE my little bird so he should too. Thus this fun see me toy.

Lovebirds can do tricks! They are smart.. so yay. They do have a few requirements.. good food, love and care. Here is some info if you should choose to have one. Lovebirds are sooo dear, I promise.. well no, I cannot promise, but for me my little guy has brought so much pleasure.

While I adore my little Lovebird they can be demanding, so know that! Many people who get a bird are often not prepared for that. Some birds wind up living their whole lives in a cage never to know a human very well. Research it as Lovebirds can live to be 35 years old... this is a HUGE commitment so be very sure. If you do decide to get one... and spend time with one I know you will fall in love. The pic is of me and little Iki on my shoulder.

Oh!! I just ADORE this story!

Don't want to "own" a bird? How about getting to know and feeding the birds outside your window?

Here is a great article written by Jenny M Rose. Be sure to check out her websites listed at the bottom of this article.

When it comes to feeding birds in your garden, there are various ways to do so and numerous food to feed them with. Depending on the type of birds that visit you, there is a choice of different feeders available. However, if you not sure what types of birds come to your garden this is a perfect and exciting opportunity to do a bit of bird-watching and research the different kinds you see.

The wild bird food you select should be stored in a dry location and only given in quantities to fill the bird feeder. If let out in the open to get wet, mould can grow. If you scatter the wild bird seed over the ground, you will have other pests on your hands such as squirrels, chipmunks and predatory hawks. Instead you will need to be organised in where you place your food for the birds to ensure they will want to visit your garden.

Start the process by searching for an area to place your bird feeder. The ideal place is one that is located securely on a tree. You can even purchase a self-standing feeder, but make sure you place it in an area that will allow the birds a clear view. This is especially needed if you have lots of cats around. The feeder should be fastened using the manufacturer's instructions and nothing but wild bird seed should be placed in them.

In some instances, you can purchase specialized feeders such as a peanut feeder. This will allow you to mix the wild bird seed with unprocessed peanuts to feed larger birds. Keep in mind that small or juvenile birds can choke on these in same way as a small child.

Fill the feeder with wild bird food, but do not overfill it. Make sure that any spills are cleaned up. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain your bird feeder should be checked regularly for any dampness or moulding of food. As the quantity of seed decreases, remove the old bird seed and refill the feeder.

Some examples of great bird seed to purchase include Chapel Premium Bird Food and Johnston and Jeff Wild Bird Food although there are many more to choose from.

Wild bird food doesn't have to be expensive if you use it in moderation. Overall though it's well worth the money to have birds singing in your garden.

For more information on wild bird food go to http://rmgwildlife.co.uk

Author Links

Blog: http://rmgwildlife.co.uk

Business: http://rmgwildlife.co.uk

Personal: http://rmgwildlife.co.uk

This is the SWEETEST UTube about this kid who rescued a hummingbird.. it is sooo worth the watch as you will find yourself smiling throughout. There are a few other UTubes added for further exploration of this tiny wonder.

Leonard Cohen is the author of this song but I do like other versions of it too.

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

I am a figurative artist and illustrator. If you check out my website you will see that I am very prolific in oils. I also do sculpture. I illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.

Artist Statement:

I began my career at four years old, in the back seat of my parents car, as they travelled the countryside. I have been exhilarated and tormented by art ever since. I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night thinking about it.

I paint and sculpt women primarily; in their daily lives; in lives they might be afraid of; and in lives they wish they had. My goal has always remained the same, to hear them breathing and to know the passion I feel in my soul is met by theirs.

So I sing:

"Hold me close dear angel

muster up a little tune

and rock me like a serpent

that rises to the moon."

In every single one of my paintings my objective is to 'know them'. To let each one reveal their own vision or message. I am often astounded as their presence unfolds and I am met with who they are. I then realize that who 'they' are defines me as well. My hope is that my paintings & sculptures relate to you, their audience, and that they give you the message you need for your own heart and soul.

Let me know you were here OK? Happy day and thank you for your visit!