Near Picacho Peak, just off Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, is the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch (come back on day “O” and I’ll tell you about ostrich fishing!) This is a fun roadside attraction where you can feed a variety of animals, including the L for today: Lorikeets.

You step through the inner chain-link doorway designed to keep the birds from escaping, and walk into a desert oasis.

The rainbow lorikeets know what you are holding in your hand–little cups of nectar, and they welcome you heartily into their home. Don’t panic. They use their little claws to stabilize themselves why they drink. It tickles and you’ll quickly get used to their touch.

http://www.roostercogburn.com/lorikeets.asp