The Barking Cockatoo

During a recent day trip from Melbourne to Warragul in regional Victoria, I was amused to see an elderly lady in a park pushing a walker with a carefully balanced cockatoo riding on its front bar. The lady, wearing a large sun hat and sunglasses, appeared to be taking an afternoon walk in the sunshine.

I walked up to her and enquired whether taking the cockatoo out for a ride was a regular trip. She replied enthusiastically, “Oh yes!” and went on to tell me that her cockatoo was 35 years old and that they both enjoyed their daily stroll. The way she spoke made me think to myself that this cockatoo was not only her pet but also a friend.

When I eagerly enquired whether the cockatoo could talk, she looked proudly at her bird who suddenly let out a loud barking sound. I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

“I hope you don’t mind me saying,” I told her, “but this sounds awfully like a dog!”

She explained that the cockatoo lived alongside her pet dog for many years and imitated him wonderfully.

I must admit, I have never heard a bird bark so loudly or as precisely as a dog.