Sydney's Sky-High Almond Café for Wild Cockatoos
How One Woman Turned Fear into Friendship
When Lauren first moved into her high-rise apartment in Sydney, the wild cockatoos that visited her balcony made her nervous. These large birds with strong beaks and sharp talons can look quite scary up close.
The First Customer
One day, Lauren decided to face her fears. She offered an almond to one of the cockatoos. That simple act changed everything. The bird must have spread the word about this tasty treat because soon more cockatoos began to appear.
The Altitude Birdie Café is Born
Lauren's balcony is now home to what she calls the Altitude Birdie Café. The wild cockatoos have made this spot part of their daily routine. They gather outside her door around 3 PM each afternoon for what Lauren calls their happy hour.
Menu and Service
Almonds are the café's special dish. Lauren chose them because they're healthy for the birds and don't create much mess around the building. This keeps both the cockatoos and the building management happy.
Regular Customers
Each bird visitor has its own look and personality. Lauren has given them all names as she's gotten to know their special traits. They're not just random birds anymore - they're regular customers with their own unique styles.
VIP Treatment
One cockatoo called Prince Charming has earned special status. This bold bird isn't afraid to step inside Lauren's apartment when given the chance. Lauren has to be careful not to leave her door open too wide for too long. If she does, the whole flock might decide to come in for an indoor party!
From Fear to Friendship
What started as a way to overcome fear has turned into a special connection with nature. Lauren's Altitude Birdie Café shows how small acts of kindness can create unexpected friendships - even with wild birds in the middle of a busy city.
Lauren shares photos and videos of her feathered friends on social media, where people can follow the daily adventures of Sydney's most unique café.