Our First Gouldian Finch
Red Head Cock 1
"Montezuma"
"Montezuma"
This is 'Montezuma' our very first Gouldian that we purchased way back in 1995. Named after an Aztec Emperor, he was affectionately known as 'Monte'.
This particular photograph depicts a 'battle worn' Monte in old age during the winter of 2001. It was the last photograph that I ever took of him.
On the 9th day of December 2001, he passed away aged 8 years old, which was quite a feat considering he survived many years whilst I learnt by trial and error.
To us, Monte was indeed an emperor in his own right. He was dearly loved and is now sorely missed, but his colony stills continues today and his son “Montezuma II” is now the leader of his colony.
Many times Monte would sleep outside with his colony in a tree branch, exposed to the unpredictable Melbourne weather. It still amazes me how he survived for so long.
His legacy is the wonderful colony that occupies our garden aviary today. All our home bred Gouldians are lined bred back to the mighty Montezuma. He was an extraordinary Gouldian!