Bird lover Steve Forster was surprised enough when a cockatiel turned up in his garden. When the second one arrived he was amazed.

Steve rescued one of the cagebirds from his garden in Brighton two weeks ago. Days later an identical bird appeared in the same place.

Mr Forster said: "The second one was easy to catch. He was very tired so I put my jacket over him and he came into the house with me.

"It's very strange to find cockatiels like this. They're not hardy birds and they are notoriously difficult to catch."

Mr Forster put the two males, named Cocky One and Cocky Two, together in a spare cage in his home in Patcham.

The birds have become firm friends. One has even taken the other under his wing.

Mr Forster said: "Cocky Two must be a pet bird - he is more timid and stays in his cage. Cocky One is very protective of him."

Mr Forster would like to reunite the birds - which are grey and have yellow heads - with their owners.

Anyone who thinks the birds may belong to them should call 01273 564520.