Photographer Rory Raitt was sick as a parrot after a photo session ended up with a visit to hospital.

He was gushing with blood after parrot Jade decided to take a chunk out of his ear.

The photographer, from the Evening Express, said it made a change from being growled at by dogs.

He said: "I was taking photos of it when it hopped on to my arm and went up to my shoulder.

"Then it took a ruddy big nip at my lug.

"My ear was gushing, I had to go to hospital to get a tetanus jab and antibiotics.

"The owner was really apologetic but it wasn't her fault. I've been growled at a bit by a few dogs over the years but I've never actually been bitten."

His attempts to win sympathy from colleagues have fallen on stony ground - they can't stop laughing at his parrot plight.

Rory had been out on a job to cover the disappearance of Jade and fellow parrot Boyo from a mini-zoo in Aberdeen.

The valuable pair were set free from their cage but were rounded up by a group of local schoolboys.

In the original story, by Gayle Nicol, the owner is quoted as saying: "Jade loves to speak and is very friendly."

Back to the photography index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nepmidlands.co.uk