Of course, there are all kinds of birds at the Indianapolis Zoo,
including this aviary full of budgeriars.
Visitors enter the little birds' home via an anteroom,
where they are greeted by the exhibit's attendant.
On this day, she was carrying a 3-foot length of dowel rod
as she emerged from the aviary through a curtain made from
floor-length pieces of five-eighths inch diameter
braided rope. The rod was used to herd any escapees
back through the rope curtain.
The trees and branches inside were covered with the multi-colored
chattering budgies, who darted back and forth between
the perches stationed throughout the airy house.
They often flew very close to the visitors; I could feel
the beating of their wings as they flew overhead.
Visitors could obtain sticks with dabs of bird food
on the end to feed to their hungry hosts. A little girl
about four years old was holding one of the sticks
for the dining pleasure of a little blue budgie.
