Parakeet damages cars in Scotland

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A parakeet has been blamed for damaging cars in Inverness, Scotland. The bird has been seen around Lochardil since February. Local people say it has been pecking at window seals and windscreen wipers.

Residents believe the bird may be an escaped pet. Some people first thought it looked lovely when they saw it nearby. However, they became worried when they noticed damage to their cars.

One resident said the bird had caused hundreds of pounds of damage. Another said the total damage in the street could be worth thousands of pounds. Some neighbours are now covering their cars with tarpaulins to protect them.

NatureScot said experts were not sure exactly why the parakeet was nibbling car parts. It may be reacting to its reflection, looking for minerals in rubber, or simply playing. People in the area have been advised to cover their cars and fold back their wiper arms.

How did this story make you feel?

SMART Prep | Quick Question 210724

Welcome to the Harbour City Maritime Museum. This collection includes tools, maps, and photographs from early sailing days in Aotearoa New Zealand. Please do not touch the exhibits. Flash photography is not allowed. School groups can collect activity sheets from the front desk. We hope you enjoy learning about life at sea.

What is the author’s main purpose in this passage?

  

Did You Know?

What unusual behavior is a parakeet displaying in Scotland?
The parakeet has been pecking at cars, causing damage!

Vocabulary

Click on the words in the article. See if you can find them all.
  • pecking To hit or bite something lightly with a beak. The bird was pecking at the seeds on the ground.
  • damage Harm or injury that makes something less valuable or useful. The storm caused damage to the roof of the house.
  • reflection An image seen in a mirror or shiny surface. She saw her reflection in the water.
  • Thinking Question

    What do you think the parakeet might be trying to do?

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