'Distraught' couple issue urgent plea for cockatiel Princess missing from Prestonpans

A Prestonpans couple have issued an urgent plea for information about their missing cockatiel, who answers to 'Princess'.

Princess, who 'loves her food' and likes to sit on people's shoulders, went missing around 2.30pm on Saturday.

"My husband went outside with him on her shoulder," said Jackie Bolton, who owns the cockatiel together with her husband Philip.

Princess the Cockatiel likes baked beans.

"And before he knew it she was off, she just flew away."

Princess went missing once before, a couple of years ago.

But on that occasion her owners put out a call on Facebook and a neighbour came to the door ‘within an hour’ with Princess on her shoulder.

The Boltons are becoming increasingly concerned as Princess has now not been seen for more than two full days.

“We’re starting to get a wee bit desperate now, it’s been so long,” said Ms Bolton.

“She’s been off for a long time and we’re very worried about her.”

Mr Bolton is especially fond of the bird.

“They tend to choose one person, and that’s who they like,” said Ms Bolton.

“Her and my husband are incredibly close. He’s devastated with her being missing.

“He’s distraught with it being him that took her outside as well.”

The couple mobilised a search party as soon as the bird went missing on Saturday afternoon.

“Everybody in the house went out looking for her,” said Ms Bolton.

“We’ve practically had the whole of Prestonpans out looking for her.”

Mr and Ms Bolton issued a plea for information and a photograph of Princess on Facebook on Sunday.

While the post has been shared many times, no one has yet come forward with any information.

Princess is ‘quite a character’, said Ms Bolton.

“She’s quite friendly, if you’re sitting eating she’ll come down to you,” she said.

The Facebook post also included a video of Princess eating beans on toast from Mr Bolton’s plate.

“We think if anyone has food, if they’re out eating chips or whatever, she’ll come down to them,” Ms Bolton said.

“She would often go and land on someone’s shoulder, we’re just worried that if she does they might panic.”

The Bolton’s are asking anyone who sees Princess not to panic.

“Just tap your shoulder and say ‘come on’, and she’ll come to you,” Ms Bolton said.

The couple ask anyone who sees Princess to call them on 01875898550.