Lemme outta here! – Photo by George Sommers
LASER POINT FOCUS: With miniature protection goggles in place, a small blue parrot named Obi flew through laser-illuminated microparticles to her perch yielding surprising new insights on winged flight. Although there are a few theories flying around, how slowly flapping wings generate lift has previously not been studied extensively. Eric Gutierrez of Stanford University’s Lentik Lab is studying those properties.Using high speed video, he noticed the swirling laser particles broke up around Obi’s wingtips; contrary to the three most common explanations for lift – so it’s back to the drawing board.- From a “New York Times” video
BUD FACES THE BOOT: What with kookaburras and wild cockatoos, you’d think our Aussie friends would be used to loud birds. However, a Queensland woman is “horrified” that her local council told her to get rid of Bud, her Alexandrine parakeet, within 14 days or face a $2875 fine. Sue Mariner and Bud, her pet of three years, moved from Sydney to Bribie Island last year. Bud goes everywhere with her, including the bathroom and shopping. But a morning routine of fresh air and “talking to all the other birds” has grounded the pair after a noise complaint to the Moreton Bay Regional Council. “Because they were so loud I think the neighbors got jack of it,” Mariner said. A ranger showed up on Mariner’s door saying, “That’s too big, you can’t have it.” According to the Council’s rules, Bud is classed as a large parrot; along with cockatoos; and therefore isn’t allowed on property less than 1000 square meters. “I went and had a look on (the) Moreton Bay (Council’s) rules and regulations. You can have 40 pigeons in your backyard or three chickens, but I can’t have one Bud,” Mariner said. A distraught Mariner posted about her ordeal on a local Facebook page which was inundated with supportive comments. Mariner said if she is forced to rehome Bud, she’ll get 40 pigeons and three chickens instead because that’s allowed. “Can you imagine the noise that 40 pigeons would make?” she said. For now, Bud is confined to quarters. The Council counters that they can’t comment on individual cases but are obligated to respond to complaints. Violators may apply for a review and may be given an extension The Animal Management Local Law has been in place since 2011. – From https://amp.nine.com.au/…/f1fb656e-153b-43dc-aabe.
PSITTACINEMA: Jenday conure plays fetch like a dog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZlkPwMUYyg
EXPO IS A GO: The COVID epidemic dealt a downsizing, if not knockout, blow to many once traditionally annual bird shows in northeastern states including New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, But following a successful SRO show with visitors from at least three states last fall featuring speakers, presentations, vendors and info tables; Ray Schwarz will be hosting the Birds Of A Feather’s 23rd Annual Bird Expo and Mart in NH this weekend. Schwartz does have some stiff competition as 4/15 also features bird events in Louisiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Canada -and even a joint appearance of parrots with migrating whales in California. Check HOT DATES for more info!
RAGE IN A CAGE: Well meaning people will sometimes approach parrot owners and say how they don’t like seeing birds in cages. Mark Bittner, author of “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill noted a different angle while serving as speaker at a parrot breeders conference. One attendee believed that all parrots should be brought in from the wild, that all their habitat would soon be destroyed, and that they should remain in captivity forever. Related: The naturalized cherry head conures, the focus of “TWPOTH” have recently been voted San Francisco’s (unofficial) official animal in a newspaper contest. Many clubs have changed part of their monikers from “Caged Birds” to “Cage Birds”, not that it seems to make much of a difference,
TIP O’ THE WEEK:. Harrison’s Bird Foods in their April Bulletin Bird newsletter says a bird’s refusal or acceptance to eat a certain product normally has nothing to do with taste and everything to do with what the bird is familiar with.
CAN I QUOTE YOU ON THAT?: “From the parrot’s beak” welcomes all comments on its contents or parrot related issues. Please comment directly on the space provided in the current issue for consideration of publication in the following week’s issue. We reserve the right to edit.
LOST AND FOUND IN THE WILD: Is it possible that some of the parrot species presumably lost to extinction may be rediscovered? The dusky yetraka – a small olive and yellow-throated bird that hops around on the ground – has been rediscovered by an expedition led by The Peregrine Fund in Madagascar. The last documented sighting was in 1999, making it one of the top 10 most wanted lost birds by the Search for Lost Birds, a collaboration between Re:wild, American Bird Conservancyand BirdLife International This tiny bird has eluded ornithologists for 24 years, but the team, led by The Peregrine Fund‘s Madagascar Program, recently found the species in two different remote sites:. – Read more here: https://www.rewild.org/…/found-mysterious-songbird… #LostBirds Thanks, Angela
CONTEST: Pet Supplies Plus throwing a contest with a $500 gift card as a prize. See their FB page or website for info.
SHOWTIMES: Lafeber Companion Bird Webinars in April at 12 noon PDT. You can see a current or previous webinar by going to: https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/category/webinar/ 5/14, “Avian Vet Insider – Avian Musculoskeletal System” with Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) 5/21 “The Grey Way – An Owner’s Guide to an Avian Vet Visit” with Lisa Bono, CPBC 5/28, “Ask the Vet: Q & A” (Ask questions about your bird’s health, nutrition, care or behavior problems) with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian). You can also View You.tube videos of previous ZOOMS from The Connecticut Parrot Club: Avian Flu, Dr. Kristin Sinclair, YouTube Videohttps://youtu.be/OfCsI4g35cs (Over 1,000 views)! Tables Communication and Play for Parrots, Jennifer Cunha
Through the Eyes of a Parrot, Dr. Graham Martin Caring for Elderly & Disabled Bird Companions, Dr. Kristin Sinclair.
HOT DATES: 4/14: SO YOU WANT TO GET A BIRD?: Need some inspiration? Have a bird and need some new ideas for enrichment? Robin Sullivan hosts Aliana Torres, a young lady with an important message. at 7p.m. EST on The Leather Elves FB page.–Avian Vet Insider – The Avian Musculoskeletal System with Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) 3 p.m. EDT Lafeber Zoom webinar. www.phoenixlanding.org/events.html For previous recorded webinars, go to www.phoenixlanding.org/past-events.html. — 4/15,16: Nashville Exotic Pet Expo Nashville, TN — Keystone State Avian Society – Triple NCS Shows Chambersburg, PA– Acadiana Bird Fair & Sale Lafayette, LA — 4/15: The Nest Companion Bird Care & Rehabilitation Society will be part of a Ladner Spring Market alongside Tiny Tails Pony Rescue. 10-2:30. 6574 Ladner Trunk Road, Canada (See FB page for details) — WHALE OF A DAY: Migrating grey whales returning to Baja, CA share a sliver of their massive spotlight with parrots. Parrots with their owners and appropriate cages or carriers will represent South Bay Bird Society while Fine Feathered Friends Foundation provides give info on rehoming in a neighboring booth. Other activities include children’s games & crafts, inflatables, museum & lighthouse grounds tours, marine-themed vendors and local organizations, live music, food trucks, silent auction & raffle, gorgeous views and; of course, cliff-side whale watching! 10-4. FREE; main grounds of Point Vicente Interpretive Center 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West. Site parking unavailable but parking is free at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall with a free shuttle bus service. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. RPV CA More info at events@rpvca.gov or (310) 544-5260. SBBS is seeking volunteers to set up and/or help staff the SBBS booth, Call (424) 247 4447 or (310) 529-1408.. — Birds of a Feather Avicultural Society 23rd Expo and Bird Mart BOAF’s 23rd annual Spring Exotic Bird Expo and Mart. FREE Bird Mart: birds, foods, toys and other supplies FREE Expo Presentations FREE wing and nail trimming. silent auction, snack bar. — Rolling Meadows Bird Fair & Sale Rolling Meadows, IL — 4/16: VET TECH Gwynne Moore as guest of PENINSULA CAGED BIRD SOCIETY (PCBS) will cover two topics that affect everyone with a pet, but especially those with birds: Emergencies and Illness Recognition. 2:30 p.m. 2605 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA — 4/17: Owl Prowl & Macaw Free Flight Experience by Avian Behavior International. A bird lover’s two-fer. Follow a flock of free flying macaws through the San Diego Chaparral ending (theoretically) on the beach. Afterwards;, comes the Owl Prowl, but you won’t have to prowl too far. Guinness the Eurasian eagle owl, Ripley the spectacled owl, and Beatrix the barn owl will be brought out for a meet ‘n’ greet. This interactive experience includes an aviary tour to learn about the farm, how agriculture and conservation can work together, and even maybe have a few birds feed from your hand. Learn about commitment to sustainability with permaculture farming techniques involving the animals and connecting the ethos of preservation and compassion. FAQ for questions and COVID procedures. Terms and Conditions will maximize time with the animals, and include suggestions on what to wear. You will receive an email with details and directions within 24 hours of registration. Check spam folder and follow driving directions. $177. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PST. Escondido, CA —4/18: THE HOW AND WHY OF COLORFUL FEATHERS: Presented by: Dr. Allison Shultz Palos Verdes/ South Bay Audubon society hybrid in person/ZOOM presentation. 7 P.M. PST The Next Hybrid – ZOOM/ in-person meeting.– 4/21: The Grey Way – An Owner’s Guide to an Avian Vet Visit 3 p.m. EDT Lafeber Zoom webinar — 4/22: OH, BEHAVE: Kiko’s toy chest hosts Robin Sullivan for a FREE day of fun including: 11-12: Parrot 101. Enrichment, husbandry, 12-1 Lunch provided by Kiko’s. 1-1:30 In store scavenger hunt. 1:30-2:30: How Human Perception Impacts Our Reaction to Animals’ Behavior. 6404 Waller Rd. E. Tacoma, WA —Greater Kansas City Avicultural Society Spring Bird Fair Independence, MO — 4/23: ENRICHMENT & BEHAVIOR SUNDAY: Presented by Parrot Perch with guest Robin Shewokis Sullivan. 12:30-1:30: Enriching you and your parrot 1:30-2: Snack and shopping provided by Parrot Perch 2-2:30: In store scavenger hunt 2:30-3:30: How human perception impacts our response to animal behavior. 1503 NE 78th St. #5, Vancouver, WA. — 4/28: “Ask the Vet: Q & A” (Ask questions about your bird’s health, nutrition, care or behavior problems) with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian) — 4/29,30: AVIAN & EXOTIC COMPANION MAMMAL SYMPOSIUM: For vets, vet techs and students. Featuring Dr. Jennifer Graham and Dr. Angela Lennox. 7:50 check in; 8-5 CST. Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. Courtyard Dallas DFW North /grapevine 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, TX — 4/30: Joliet Bird Fair & Sale Joliet, IL Greater Omaha Cage Bird Society Bird Fair, Ralston, NE Avicultural Society of Tucson Bird Expo Tucson, AZ 5/1: YELLOW AND BLUE, WHO IS WHO: Marie Calleja, the Director of “Fine Feathered Friends Foundation” will share with South Bay Bird Society traits of these blue colored macaws. These macaws may look similar, but there are differences in color, size, and attitude! Marie will be bringing her companion macaws from these two species. Hybrid meeting. 7 p.m. PST — 5/4-7: Houston,IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) Animal Behavior Conference TX – 1 day ticket is $399, complete conference is $679
LOST: African grey ‘Coco’; Richmond, BC, Canada.11 y/o. Says “Mama”, (604) 816-9752. — LOST: Cockatiel ‘Pepa’ pearl gray, white with gray spots. doral woods, FL. (786) 527-05903.
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