Alexandrine parrot Miguel adopted by Beaulieu harbour office

A PLUCKY parrot has been making himself at home on the banks of Beaulieu River after arriving by canoe earlier this year.

Miguel the Alexandrine parrot was spotted by a canoeing party in the summer, flapping around in a distressed state.

River dock master Matt Thomas recalled: “They came across a bird that was obviously distressed and were unsure of what to do, so they held out an oar and he landed on it.

“They were berth holders so they brought him in to the harbour office but the only thing they could find to carry him in was a box of San Miguel beer – which is how he got his name.”

The friendly parrot quickly won a legion of friends along the river and after social media appeals failed to locate his owners, Beaulieu harbour office became his permanent home.

Matt said: “Initially he lived in the office but he was very noisy and messy and he kept eating all our pencils.

“We have now built him an outdoor aviary but he still comes into the office all the time and he has become very popular around the marina.”

Miguel loves the attention and his friendly nature means he is popular with marina staff and visitors.

He enjoys a diet of banana, pumpkin seed, special parrot food and sweet red peppers, and is always quick to perch on the shoulder of anyone who is eating.

Since becoming a permanent “staff member” Miguel has picked up several phrases including “hello”, “hiya”, “I’m a good boy” and “C’mon then”.

“He also enjoys wolf whistling but luckily he hasn’t picked up any bad language so he’s PG-rated,” added Matt.

“I would definitely say that Miguel landed on his feet – he loves all the attention and is very happy here.

“When he first arrived we thought maybe he had escaped from somewhere – I would say he’s definitely been a domestic pet in the past.

“Now we know how noisy he is we wonder if someone just let him free. Whichever it was, we are very pleased he landed here with us!”