Cockatiel on the Beach

A cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was spotted on Loyola Park's beach on August 10, and The Bench got photos. Most likely an escapee, the bird seems quite happy to be munching on seeds and flower buds in the dune area just north of the Pratt pier. Cockatiels are native to Australia's arid interior. Let's hope the little guy either returns to his cage or is smart enough to fly south before Fall sets in. Or, for that matter, before a local hawk eats him.