IT is that time of the year again when you may see the odd parrot laying on its back on the ground or running around in circles or just doing things not normally associated with a healthy bird.

It is not the nectar loving bird’s fault, but the result of the alcohol produced from the Aussie eucalyptus trees and other types of trees and fermenting fruits.

One of the bird’s regular food sources, eucalyptus nectar, ferments on the tree during different seasons.

The unwary birds drink this juice, which is available in abundance, and suddenly find themselves somewhat tipsy, sometimes paralytic.

Normally we would see the common Rainbow Lorikeet indulging in this activity, however a number of different birds “enjoy” this time of year. The lesser seen Musk Lorikeet, which inhabits mainly Eucalypt forests and woodlands in coastal areas from Southern Queensland, is also prone to this problem as it is not a seed eater as are most parrots but eats mainly nectar and pollen.