My Christmas visitor
Danielle Corrie
After quickly going to the kerb to put something in the bin before the garbage truck appears, I noticed a large bird fly towards my front door.
My eyes widen. A sulphur crested cockatoo was waiting for me. I had never seen one so close, let alone within a foot of my front door.
"I need to climb up these steps and go inside. I'd like to take a photo of you. Is that okay? Don't go away."
Slowly and cautiously, I climb three steps open my front door and walk inside. I grab my camera sitting close by. The cockatoo sat motionless and waited. I faced the cockatoo and become mesmerised by its presence. The cockatoo gradually moves along my fence, gripping one circular black paling at a time with its beak, before stopping at the green wooden paling leading to the steps. Other cockatoos squawked in the distance, however, it didn't disturb my visitor.
After a while the cockatoo squawks in a quiet tone, before spreading its large majestic wings to fly away. I believe it wasn't just a cockatoo but also my friend in spirit coming to visit me and wishing me a Merry Christmas.
Author Bio: Danielle Corrie is an Australian published author and writer of the book Teida's Story - Life through the eyes of a dog. She is an avid gardener, has a great passion for the environment and enjoys being among nature.