Tree surgeon Michael Hickling's best mate likes to sing while they work — he's a parrot. Apparently Sammy's favorite tune isn't the Birdy Song, he prefers The Beatles and Chuck Berry which he belts out in a cockney accent. Michael and Sammy, 46, met eight years ago and they are inseparable. At lunchtime, they stroll down the road for a fry-up in the cafe and at night enjoy dinner. All the time Sammy, a yellow-headed Amazon parrot, keeps up the banter squawking his catchphrase “wa-hey”. Michael, 56, of Carlton, near Nottingham said: “He's a pal. I wouldn't have him in a cage, he's here as long as he wants.” But he does make himself useful. “When we're driving he likes to talk. “He's like a satnav, except he'd rather sing than give directions.” Michael does have one worry. He said: “Sammy's breed can live until they're in their 80s, by that time I'd be nearly 100 — so I don't think I'll be climbing trees then!”
