The squawk of tropical parrots may be commonplace in the tropics, but it isn’t usually the case in Taylors Lakes.
But for a short stint this month, teal blue and canary yellow feathers will transport visitors to Watergardens shopping centre to a sub-tropical paradise.
Until July 10, parrots, cockatoos and owls will soar above shoppers in the centre’s “town square” when Feathered Friends, a company that trains birds and dogs and runs education sessions, performs live shows.
To complement the twice-daily performances, at 11am and 1pm, the shopping centre will be decorated with bird-themed artwork painted by students from 12 nearby schools.
Head trainer Ravi Wasan said he and another trainer would be free-flying black cockatoos, sulphur-crested cockatoos, macaws, eclectus parrots and barn owls.
“We have some threatened species with us, so we’ll be educating the public about conserving them,” he said.
There will also be a naming competition for a one-year-old barn owl born at Feathered Friends’ Sanctuary in New South Wales.
For more information go online to www.watergardens.com.au.
