The Adventures of Henri and Charlie

by Terry Aspinall

  He had been very lucky, coming down near Aquatic Paradise, a large new canal estate development project, where a new foreshore had been developed into a picnic and recreation area, with plenty of rubbish bins so he would be able to look around for some food.

  In the few days that he had been free, he had at least learned that you could usually find food, and the places to look for it.

  It was still only about mid morning so Henri decided it was time to try and find some food, and then have a further look around. Maybe he could look for a way back to Wynnum, and maybe look for somewhere safe to stay that night.

  Flying along the foreshore he spied a couple of small boys feeding two groups of birds. So Henri landed amongst the smaller of the two groups, so it would be easier to grab a crumb or two.

  As Henri landed the little boy call out loudly to his mother that there was a parrot feeding on his bread, so he threw all his pieces of bread towards Henri. Just like before all the other birds swarmed closer to Henri, jostling him for a mouth full. Being so hungry it didn't seem to matter, Henri was going to stand his ground this time, as he wanted his share of the food. However, he was still sore, and with the other birds bumping into him all the time it did hurt his frail little body.

  After a few minutes as was usual the seagulls started to arrive. Time to get out of here, Henri thought. I’ve had enough to eat; so I'll be on my way.

  He took off and decided to fly high and have a look around. Maybe he could see something that he’d seen before, like a landmark or something across the bay towards Wynnum. He wasn't sure, but maybe that was from where he had been blown.

  Yes it was Wynnum he thought, but there was no way would he take a chance and fly that distance across the water, it was just too far. So he decided that his only course of action would be to follow the coastline around. Even though he knew it was a long way and he would probably have to detour inland in some places to go around some of the mangrove swamps. These places were not for him and were very inhospitable.

  With the tide in, it meant that all the mangrove swamps were flooded with seawater; it would be hard to find food in those inhospitable places.

  Once he had cleared the swamp he came upon what looked like a residential area, which meant houses and people, which also meant food, however it also meant danger. He would have to be careful about making decisions on what and where he should go next, and making these decisions was also making him feel very lonely.

  The sun was going down for the day. So with a full stomach and a plan, Henri found a large high leafy bush and got right into the middle, to find a little protection from the cold and maybe the rain. What he wanted now was a good night's sleep as tomorrow was going to be a long hard tiring day.

  Henri was up early, just as the sun popped up over the horizon. He was flying around looking for his early morning feed. You know what they say; the early bird catches the worm, or seeds in Henri's case.

  All his thoughts were on getting back to Wynnum and finding Charlie and their new friend Hoppy. And from there, oh well he’d think about that when the time came.

  After a good feed and a quick preening of his feathers, he set off in a westerly direction heading towards the suburb of Thornside, trying to skirt the bay.

  There was a light wind blowing and because he had such tiny wings it was very tiring. Henri decided he would have to make the journey in short hops, while gaining height every now and then just to get his bearings and to see where he was.

  Suddenly behind him came the shrilling sound of 'pee-wee', a Magpie was coming up behind him fast and screaming at the top of his voice. Henri tried diving and swerving, but try as he might he was not able to shake off his hostile pursuer. The magpie was very intimidating and at times came in hard, hitting Henri as he flew past. What had he done to warrant an attack like this? Maybe I was in his territory or something he thought. Bang he hit him again, this time it hurt knocking Henri off his balance. Henri dropped about twenty feet or more before recovering, now the magpie was coming at him from all directions and still screaming at the top of his voice, 'pee-wee, pee-wee'. He was so big compared to Henri; and at times he even flew upside down as he chased passed Henri striking him with his claws at the same time.

  This attack went on for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality it was only few minutes. However, as far as Henri was concerned it was few minutes to long. Finally to Henri’s relief the magpie just flew away and he hoped he had given up the chase.

  The Magpie

  Henri was glad that it was all over and that he wasn’t injured further, because he was still very sore from his battering when the wind had blown him across the bay.

  Wynnum still looked a very long way in the distance. In fact Henri’s detour meant he was probably going to have to fly twice that distance as he weaved in and out of the coastline. He also knew that he would never be able to cover the distance in a single day, more like three days if all went well, and he was hoping that there would be no more unwanted surprises that lay ahead.

  Needing a rest, Henri swooped down and landed by a puddle of rainwater, it was time for a bath to soothe his aching limbs.

  Henri spent a long time just ducking about in the puddle; it was so good to be able to wash the dust from his feathers. He hadn’t had a good bath since leaving his cage. After a few minutes Henri was joined by a couple of passing sparrows that were also looking for a bath. When they had all finished splashing about in the puddle they walked around to dry them selves', and began preening their feathers. It felt so good, Henri thought.

  After a few moments they all got into a conversation talking to one another. One asked Henri if he was stranger, to whom he answered yes and that he came from across the bay. The inquisitive sparrow then asked him what he was doing here. Henri told him how he had become lost and the wind had blown him here. The sparrow then told him that he was known as Tom and that his friend was Jerry, to which Henri laughed saying he had heard that one before. Henri went on to tell them his full story, finally asking Tom and Gerry if he was heading in the right direction for Wynnum. Gerry told him to just keep near the coast line and to head around to the Suburb of Lota. We will fly a little of the way with you if you like and show you a short cut, adding that they could also show him where he could drop in for some food. Henri butted in I’d love some seed; I haven’t had any for days.

  Tom continued telling him that he knew of a garden where the house holder cleaned out his bird cage trays every morning. We can usually pick it over and manage to find some seeds to eat, as well as other scraps and goodies.

  Henri then asked Gerry about the magpie that had attacked him earlier. Oh they are always like that; they seem to think that they own the place. It’s just their way of chasing you away, and letting you know that they are the bosses around here, but they're not added Tom.

  Tom and Jerry

  Chapter 8

  Terry and Emily had spent long hours together just worrying about Henri and Charlie. The weather had not been kind towards their search, with heavy rain falling during the early part of the week. In fact not knowing where to look was the worst part. Wynnum was such a large area, and they could not look everywhere. While constantly in the back of their mind was the nagging thought that they could have even been killed. It was the not knowing part that hurt most.

  Getting home from work with only 45 minutes of daylight left did not give them much time to look around. They had put up reward signs on telegraph poles and bulletin boards all around the suburb. The local newspapers had also carried the same messages.

  As a hobby Terry played in a local 50s and 60s rock n roll band, spending some evenings practising with fellow musicians in the garage. He had also asked the other members of the band to keep an eye out for the lost birds.

  Emily, worked at a Wynnum sewing factory alongside about 100 other local girls, and spent most of her lunch breaks going around the tables in the canteen asking if anybody had seen her birds while passing out leaflets, me
ntioning the reward that they were offering. A lot of publicity was being gained by their actions. Never the less it seemed hopeless neither Emily nor Terry had received any news or a sighting. Plus the posters and leaflets all mentioned that the two birds were together. Re-thinking the situation, it was a good bet that they would not even be together by now. Therefore they should be telling people that they were actually looking for two separate birds.

  It was a strong possibility that the sparrows would have got Charlie by now, as he was a very timid little bird at the best of times.

  Terry and Emily were slowly coming to terms with the idea that they had lost their two dear little friends, and that they would never see them again, and they would have to soon face up to it.

  So gradually they started to talk about replacing their pets. While knowing that they could never replace Henri or Charlie, would they still buy another Peach Face and a Canary? Maybe they should make a complete break and possibly buy something totally different. In the past they had spoken about the idea of a Cockatiel parrot.

  Chapter 9

  Charlie was looking very ill in his small cage, all hunched up on the perch. His new flat mate Jimmy was trying everything to cheer him up, but to no avail. There was just nothing he could do to escape; it was totally out of the question. Charlie was just pinning for home, and his own cage that he'd left behind.

  Florrie was at the sink washing and talking to the canaries, when her daughter arrived for her weekly trip, to see that everything was okay. Walking into the kitchen Charlie was the first thing she noticed. Asking her mother that how long had she had two Canaries' and where did she get the other one from, as a joke she also asked if they were multiplying.

  Florrie then told her daughter Robin, the full story about how she had found Charlie in the garden after the storm. Robin told her mother that she could not keep it. That there was not enough room inside that little cage for one bird let alone two, it's cruel. Florrie had to agree, Robin had been getting on to her for a long time that it was even too small for Jimmy. Florrie pointed out that it had all happened so fast she wasn’t sure what to do. She couldn’t leave it out in the garden could she?

  Both ladies sat down to have a cup of tea and a chat, to find out how each other were getting on. They sat on the settee with their feet up, a plate of biscuits and a large cup of tea.

  Florrie and Jimmy

  After the excitement of their meeting and the conversation had dropped off, Robin picked up the local newspaper and started to glance through its pages. She usually liked to go through the adverts last, just seeing what was for sale.

  Robin's eyes stopped on the lost and found column. Reward for the return or information of a Green Peach Face Parrot and also a Yellow Canary, lost in the Wynnum area last Friday, she read. Followed by some contact details and a phone number.

  Looking at her mother Robin pointed out the newspaper article to her mother, and told her to read it. After which the first thing she said was, can't be this one there was only a Canary.

  Robin told her not to be so silly, as the Peach Face had more than likely been parted from the Canary during the storm earlier. She also insisted that she should ring the number in the paper

  At first Florrie did not want to make the phone call saying that she was getting rather attached to him. Robin grabbed her hand and told her that he was not really hers and that maybe he belongs to some little child who would by now be very upset at the loss.

  After a few moments Florrie agreed that he did not look too happy stuffed into the very small cage. Although she had been hoping he would get used to it and that he might be okay. I thought he loved it there making friends with Jimmy, look they are both mates now she added.

  Robin then started insisting that her Mother should ring and maybe just check.

  They spent a further 10 minutes talking about it, and finally Florrie agreed. So Robin rang the number printed in the newspaper lost and found column. However, there was no answer. They are probably still both at work, I will hang around until 5 p.m. then I'll ring again.

  Chapter 10

  At 5pm the phone rang, and Emily was quick to answer it. The voice on the other end asked if she was still looking for a little Canary. Emily's eyes lit up and with a croak in her voice she told the person on the phone that she was.

  Robin then went on to tell her the story her mother Florrie had told her earlier.

  Emily was dumb founded and called out to her husband Terry in the bedroom to pick the other phone up by the bed. Which he did and he was able to join in on the conversation. Both Terry and Emily were very excited and kept asking Robin all sorts of questions at the same time. Could it be their beloved Canary Charlie?

  They knew the Wynnum seafront was a long way from home, could he have flown that far. However, anything was possible and somebody had actually caught the bird. Hastily they made arrangements to leave immediately and go to see the bird.

  Walking into Florries kitchen Terry and Emily both glanced at the birdcage hanging in the window of over the sink. Was it Charlie? Terry had his doubts; this bird was all hunched up and looked very scrawny. Their Charlie was a beautiful looking bird with not a feather out of place. Florrie, Robin, Emily and Terry all started talking at the same time.

  Suddenly Charlie heard their voices, he could not believe it. He knew straight away that it was his owners. After all he had been through two years of friendship with them, with Terry talking to him daily. Yes, he knew that voice okay. Opening one eye he saw them, wow it was Terry and Emily. With that he livened up and straightened his stance, on the perk, flexed his wings and started to feel really good. He could not believe it, it really was Terry and Emily. With that he just started to sing at the top of his voice.

  Terry knew it was Charlie as soon as he heard him singing telling everybody that he would know that voice anywhere. Charlie's singing got louder and louder till he was at the top of his voice. Even Florrie had to admit that there was a sudden change in Timmy as she called him. He had never sung like that before. Come to think of it neither had Jimmy.

  There were no physical marks on Charlie to distinguish him, but by now both Terry and Emily had agreed that it was Charlie. Charlie was doing everything to keep their attention after all he was so close to getting home, he was not going to let this chance go by and miss out. So he sang and sang and sang.

  Florrie made everybody a cup tea and they all sat around talking. Emily explained how they had arrived home to find the empty cages, and all the anguish they had gone through during that week.

  Florrie had made up her mind that they were the genuine owners, and that Jimmy was almost certainly their Canary.

  Terry went to the car to get the large white cage that Charlie knew as his home, when he saw it, he got so excited. Could all this really be over? Oh I hope so he thought.

  Normally it would be very hard to catch Charlie, as he was a very timid and shy, and did not like to be handled too much. However, not wanting to stay here for a minute longer than was necessary, he allowed Terry to pick him up off the perk and place him in his old home.

  Terry gave Florrie 50 dollars and thanked her very much for what she had done. Then as he and Emily walked out of the door Charlie called out to Jimmy, thanking him for everything, and telling him he was great friend, and hope it all works out for him.

  Poor old Jimmy for a week there he’d had some company to break up his boring life. Now it was back to a world of nobody to talk to and nobody to play with.

  Back at Ringtail place life was getting back to normal. Terry and Emily were very happy that they had found Charlie. Still a little sad that Henri had not been found, but they would keep on looking for him and for now at least they had Charlie.

  Charlie was back in his own cage, and would soon be into his old routines. However, even he was sad that Henri’s singing and talking was missing from the house. He even wondered if he would have been better off staying with Jimmy back at Florries house. Yes he was home but all o
f a sudden it was a very lonely place, without Henri.

  Terry and Emily did their best to make Charlie comfortable, and spend many hours talking to him when possible. Charlie on his part would spend all day singing at the top of his voice, letting the whole world know that he was home, but deep inside he was missing Henri.

  A long time had passed and it was looking more and more likely that Henri had gone forever. In fact the longer he was gone the harder it would be to find him. Yes a lot of gloom still hung over Ringtail Place, the only things remaining were all the lovely memories, brought on by the sight of his empty cage.

  All Emily and Terry could think about now was where was poor old Henri and what were they going to do next to try and find him.

  Chapter 11

  The chirping of nearby birds had awoken Henri early to find the first rays of the morning sunlight breaking on the horizon. Henri had spent the night in a small clump of trees completely exhausted after the previous days run around and being chased by the territorial birds of that area. There didn’t seem to be anywhere that he could stay while he worked out his next move. He was sadly loosing heart thinking that maybe he would never find his way back to Wynnum and then the hardest part would be to find his way back to Ringtail Place. He was also very worried about Charlie. How was he and where was he now. It was all Henri’s fault, if his escape and freedom has ended in the death of his dear friend Charlie, he would never forgive himself.

  First he had to look for some food, so he took off heading towards Wynnum, which he could see in the distance. Although at first he had to fly around another mangrove swamp before he could reach the suburb of Lota.

  Henri spied what he thought was food down below among the roots of the mangrove trees that lay up above the sea water. He swooped down to take a closer look to see what it was. When he was just a few feet above what he thought was food, from nowhere 3 seagulls suddenly appeared and swooped in ahead of him. It was a terrible shock, he hadn’t even been aware of any other birds in the area. Seeing seagulls he knew what that meant, so without another thought he swerved away flying as fast as he could, not knowing where he was going. He just wanted to get away from them.