Love in a Melbourne Park

     Australia is justifiably renowned for its great variety of psittacids; to try to select them in order of beauty is a pointless exercise, but Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) dazzled me every time I saw it. Fortunately, it is extremely common, and loud too, so we had the pleasure of its company virtually every day.

     To our human eyes the bond formed between parrots and their kin seems to be especially appealing and sincere, and pair fidelity and togetherness seemed to be a common event, the very traits we aspire to ourselves, though few of us are successful in achieving them.
     This male seems to be presenting a gift to his mate, a piece of nesting material perchance, a treasure perhaps, a token to cement the union to be sure. 

     Togetherness is lovely! 

     A little showing off might impress her.

     I think she was already committed for in an instant she signalled her willingness to mate and her ardent suitor lost not a moment in taking advantage of the opportunity.

     As birds go copulation was quite a protracted affair. He quickly hopped off her back and after a little sleeking down of ruffled feathers by both of them they were back at it again.

     A short break for a Lorikeet chat? A time to whisper sweet nothings?

     That could wait for later. Time to do it again! The female seems to have been transported to a place of ecstasy! And he is holding on lustily!

     Another short break and renewed vigour is called for. This is one premium male! And one very compliant female!

     Before we could express our amazement he had remounted and was lost to his hormones.

     Enough of this voyeurism I thought. Perhaps it's time to leave them alone. The progeny of this tryst should serve the population well!