From the parrot’s beak: 9/10

“PARROTS OF THE GODS”: The next best thing to being a god is being best buds with one. See Sep’t. duxburypetgazette Article and photo by George Sommers

DON’T GET COCKY: Cocky Bennett the cockatoo reportedly lived from 1797 to 1916; spanning three centuries to the age of 119. Most of his last 25 years were spent at Tom’s Ugly Point in the Sea Breeze Hotel. He spent the first 78 years of his life traveling around the world onboard a ship. He was said to have traveled around the world seven times. Cocky lived in the hotel and for many years he ruled as ‘Cock of the Bar’. He was extremely talkative and popular and known far and wide. He stayed at the front verandah where he could watch the parade, greeting friends in his raucous and inimitable style. Attached to the cage was a collection box to raise funds for St George Hospital and so generous was the response that three beds were endowed to the hospital, each bearing a plaque acknowledging the feathered collector. Cocky’s remains were preserved by a taxidermist. But wait – an authority from American Federation of Aviculture disputes the account, claiming, “Urban legends like this are fun to read and are interesting, but come on people use critical thinking. Odds are good that Cocky was several different birds given the same name. He was popular and good for business, so is the story. Recording keep back then was poor, especially records kept in non-scientific establishments. Big mistake in this write up, ‘The cockatoo’s life spanned 3 centuries over several owners.’ That is 300 years. All the math does not add up. The bird spent his first 78 years with Joseph’s uncle and Joseph dies in 1889. The bird in the pictures looks like he had PBFD. PBFD generally becomes obvious in young birds. It attacks the immune system and infected birds do not become old birds. Enjoy the story, but recognize that it is an urban legend.” – Cocky Bennett story dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/the_cocky_bennett_story

A new contender for bird Barbie bears a striking resemblance to Rosie, owned by Amy Hopkins of The Parrot Club.

THE PRICE WAS RIGHT: Late game show host Bob Barker was known for his animal advocacy including his catchphrase, “Have your pets spayed or neutered.” Not widely heralded is his contribution toward the welfare of parrots. One day, the Project Perry parrot sanctuary in Virginia received a surprise call. Him: “Hello, I am looking for Matt Smith.” Smith: “This is he.” Him: “Hi Matt, this is Bob Barker calling.” (In Smith’s head: “Noooo Wayyyyyy!” – but it was indeed the voice that we all grew familiar with.) Smith: “Oh my Gosh, seriously!?” Him (chuckling): “Yes, it is me and I am calling to let you know that we have discussed it and would like to send you a large check to help you with the work that you are doing there on behalf of parrots.” Smith : “I can’t even believe this – for one Bob Barker is calling my cell phone to chat with me, I mean, I was one of those 80’s kids that grew up watching ‘The Price is Right’ on sick days and any other days that I could watch it, and you’re also telling me that you are going to help fund the work we are doing, something that is my dream!?” Him (chuckling again): “You are correct and I am glad you were a fan of the show.” – From Facebook

PSITTACINEMA: Birb can’t stop singing September – YouTube

IS THAT A RAPTOR SCREAMING IN YOUR HOUSE?: Not that far off, actually. A newly discovered early bird-like dinosaur species is filling in some holes in the dinosaur-to-bird evolutionary story. The new species, named Fujianvenator prodigiosus, has a strange mixture of physical features shared with other extinct prehistoric animals from therapod dinosaurs to birdlike troodontids. This unique beast was described in a study published September 6 in the journal Nature.  Birds diverged from theropod dinosaurs by the Late Jurassic, about 161 million to 146 million years ago. Jurassic era avialans are a critical key to deciphering the evolutionary origin of the avialan body, and this elusive group is key to piecing together the origin of birds. That’s where the fossilized remains of the 148 to 150-million-year-old avialan theropod Fujianvenator prodigiosus comes in. It has some physical traits shared with extinct avialans, the small and bird-like troodontids that lived during the Cretaceous Period, and theropod dinosaurs called dromaeosaurids that were similar to raptors and also lived during the Cretaceous. Fujianvenator prodigiosus was likely about the size of a present day pheasant and had a tibia (lower leg) that is twice as long as its femur (thigh), which is a previously unknown condition for non-avian dinosaurs. This suggests that the bird was either a high-speed runner or a long-legged wader and it likely lived in swamps. This new finding contrasts with other early avialans, which are believed to have been more tree and sky-dwelling.  – From https://www.popsci.com/science/china-bird-dinosaur-discovery/?fbclid=IwAR3cZxubs5ZSKW6HtTj8kAZkdrOi9hdAAeiS0kamSsEko_x0zsYIoGDiMCU

Jimmy Buffett and friend. – From Facebook

OBIT: Parrots, (along with sharks, cheeseburgers and margaritas) were an iconic image associated with Jimmy Buffett, who was born on Christmas Day and at 76 years of age; died on Labor Day weekend. (Ironically, Labor Day weekend is mentioned in his song “Come Monday”.)  Buffett had a core of fans who would follow him around, like the Grateful Dead’s Deadheads. The term “parrothead” came about when Timthy Schmidt of the Eagles, then touring with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer band, looked out over a concert crowd wearing Hawaiian shirts and carrying large inflatable parrots hawked by vendors at one 1985 concert venue. Schmidt remarked that the crowd looked like a bunch of Parrotheads – and the name stuck.

GOING…GOING…: We’re starting to hear about upcoming holiday auctions used as club fundraisers. South Bay Bird Society in California is in the planning stages for one late November through early December.

ARE WE THERE YET?: Not quite for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue’s new building. The new building still needs improvements to ensure flock and volunteers are safe in a rescue building that will serve Rhode Island for a long time. For RIPR’s 7th Annual Giving Day on Sept 16th (https://donorbox.org/safety-first-2023?mc_cid=79652b88f1&mc_eid=UNIQID) , they will be raising money to offset the cost of a new Fire Safety System. RIPR is in need of volunteers. Special skills – Do you know how to build things? Are you a super cleaner? Great with a camera? Do you love organizing events? Fill out the volunteer application https://www.riparrots.org/form/62501?mc_cid=79652b88f1&mc_eid=UNIQID.

PLEASE STEP FORWARD: Volunteers are also sought by American Federation of Aviculture to serve on committees and as state coordinators. Contact Buddy Waskey at (804) 638-8278 or waskeybuddy@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON THE TUBE?: You Can View YouTube Videos of Previous ZOOMS from The Connecticut Parrot Club:  How to Recover a Lost Parrot, Debbie Goodrich  Target Training, Sheila Blanchett  The When and Why of Necropsy, Dr. Kristin Sinclair  Avian Flu, Dr. Kristin Sinclair, YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/OfCsI4g35cs (Over 1,000 views)!  Tables Communication and Play for Parrots, Jennifer Cunha  Through the Eyes of a Parrot, Dr. Graham MartinYou can see a current or previous Lafeber Companion Bird Webinarswebinar by going to: https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/category/webinar/ – usually12 noon PDT.  September 15, “What’s New in Avian Medicine From the Exotics
Conference” with Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP  September 22, “The Grey Way – Ask Lisa Anything About Greys!”with Lisa Bono, CPBC  September 29, “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)

Talking is child’s play – Jennifer Cunha’s ‘toos go online!

HOT DATES:  9/8,9,10: MEET THE FLOCK of Bird Gardens of Naples. Take a guided educational and interactive tour. Please bring unsalted almonds & fresh organic blueberries to feed the birds. There is no set admission fee. Donations can be made online or In person at the time of arrival. Bring your own bug spray, beverages & sunscreen as they do not sell anything on the property. 11:00 a.m. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. for sign in. For more information, please call: (239)-383-1138 — 9/9: Rolling Meadows Bird Fair & Sale  Rolling Meadows, IL — 9/10: PARROT PICNIC PARTY: South Bay Bird Society. Raffle! Bring an entrée, salad, side dish or dessert to share or bring your own lunch ¨ Water & other beverages will be provided ¨ If you bring your “partying parrots,” bring their carriers, stands, food and water ¨ Seating will be available at the picnic tables ¨ If you need help unloading, call Janet at when you arrive. Members, friends and birds invited.12-2:30. Columbia Park gazebo. 4050 190th Street at Prairie Avenue — 9/12: Birds of a Feather Video – Flock Together. The Parrot Club of CT Zoom webinar 7 pm ET with Jennifer Cunha.  Jen is creator of The Parrot Kindergarten Program, designed to mentally enrich and challenge companion birds, and My Reading Pets, a program to develop easy communication techniques with birds. She’s worked with Rébecca Kleinberger on a study that made national news regarding how companion parrots video call other parrots. They monitored 18 parrots chatting with their parrot friends over screens.  The parrots could even ring a bell to request a video call and choose who they talked (squawked?) to! Cunha is an attorney, animal cognition trainer, writer, and international speaker, focusing on animal literacy and communication. A “parrot mama” for over 16 years, Jen has been developing cognition training techniques for almost a decade. Her training manuals have been translated and distributed throughout Europe, and she’s been featured in “Bird Talk”; has twice written articles for the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants Journal and is a lecturer at science conventions and companion bird gatherings around the world. Jennifer collaborates on animal literacy and communication projects with university researchers, and her research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific proceedings. Her birds, Ellie and Isabelle, have passed university-designed blind tests on phonics and reading comprehension skills and are considered the very first animals who have learned how to read. Learn more about Jen’s work at https://parrotkindergarten.com/ and https://myreadingpets.com/. Read the published paper about this research at: https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/3544548.3581166 Contact info@theparrotclub.org for a Zoom link. 7 p.m. EST — 9/13: BINGO FOR THE BIRDS: West Los Angeles Bird Club Game night. 7 p.m. Culver City American Legion Hall, 5209 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City — 9/15-17: Canadian National Cage Bird Show & Expo  –  Richmond Hill, Ontario — 9/16-17: Long Island Pet Expo in the Park  –  Copiague, NY — 9/17: National Pet Bird Day  –

From the parrot’s beak: 9/3

African grey – Photo by George Sommers

PARROT TURNS TEAM’S LOSS TO VICTORY: A football (soccer to us Yanks) game was interrupted by a free flyng macaw with a seagull in hot pursuit and some crows egging the sideshow on. After loudly squawking and flying over the Stromness and Hotspurs players’ Reid Cup match, Blu returned to owner Carla Brown. Stromness was 4-0 down at the time, but after Blu’s intervention the game ended 5-5, with Stromness eventually winning on penalties. “This seagull decided to chase him so he was flying a few loops trying to land back to me,” Brown said. “Then crows got involved. Then he flew down to the Market Green, they had a football match on, so he flew between the people that were playing football unfortunately. He was quite loud about it, squawking. Then he managed to do his loop back. He was fine. We are very sorry for interrupting a football match,” said Brown. Stromness midfielder Andrew Groundwater said his team was thinking of adopting Blu as their mascot after their surprise comeback. If you are feeling a sense of deja vu, a few months ago a similar situation involved two free flying macaws interrupting a college softball game. – From BBC news

LAHAINA PARROT UPDATE: For 40 years, a dozen colorful squawking parrots brought smiles and laughs to thousands of visitors to Lahaina. Barrie Matthews and David Vanzo dressed tourists in birds and plastic flower leis for photo opps – keepsakes of a Maui vacation. And then the fire struck, virtually wiping out the Hawaiian town. Like so many others living in Lahaina, the August wildfires took away the livelihoods of Matthews and Vanzo. “Within 20 minutes, it was on us. It was a scramble. We had to load 15 birds into their carriers, into the cars, we had four dogs to transfer as well. We had a number of cats that we couldn’t take with us,” said Vanzo. “We were hoping to return, you had it in your heart that you were coming back,” Matthews added. A family friend took in the couple and temporarily housed the birds. A veterinarian called Matthews and Vanzo and offered to take in the animals while they search for permanent housing. As for the business, “It should continue, we need it to continue,” said Vanzo. A GoFundMe page is set up here. – For more, including video, go to https://www.fox5vegas.com/2023/08/30/parrots-iconic-lahaina-bird-stand-survive-maui-wildfires/?mibextid=I6gGtw&fbclid=IwAR0zAk9zyVwjoYKiz_zc47d3jMVkJvVlWhhzl5SVdCcacESQ-Ev54kcNeYM#llxyfimossjuh2sco2

GUESS WHO’S 109 YEARS OLD: Bob Barker didn’t quite make it but Fred the sulfur crested cockatoo has passed the century mark, and then some. At 109, Fred (not to be confused with “Baretta”‘s Fred) is Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary‘s oldest resident! Bonorong, in Tasmania Australia; is home to a number of senior resident animals, such as Great Aunt Phyllis the long-billed corella and Mary the sulfur crested cockatoo who they suspect are both at least 60 years old, as well as several other senior birds; Tasmanian devils and other mammals. Some of them have been at the Sanctuary since they were young, and others joined later in life. Many of them, including Fred, have surpassed their expected lifespans in the wild by many years thanks to the veterinary team and the daily care and attention from dedicated wildlife keepers. It’s been a while since Fred was featured and his adoring fans are missing him – and he loves to make new friends! While your cockatoo or parrot is unlikely to achieve the same lifespan, even at 50 or 60 they may very well outlive you.

AT LEAST HE DIDN’T TRY USING THE HOV LANE: A driver was stopped by police after being spotted at the wheel with an African grey parrot on their shoulder. North West motorway police said its officers spotted the driver, who has not been named, with the bird on the M62. Officers said the driver was pulled over because animals should be in suitable carriers or restraints, and they were given a traffic offense report (TOR). In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, police said: “Not sure whether to use the term driver or pirate for this post. Animals should be in suitable carriers/restraints so that they don’t interfere with your ability to drive safely. TOR issued to the human.” – From “The Guardian” Someone stole this writer’s Goffin’s travel cage which I left on the sea wall and took her for a walk – had to drive home with her on my shoulder- was so nervous she’d be the cause of an accident!

RED LISTED: The IUCN Red List Authority for birds, BirdLife International, gathers up-to-date information from published literature and experts in an ongoing effort to gauge the status of globally threatened birds – and there’s actually some good news along with the usual bad. This year’s forum, which provides the chance for professionals and amateurs alike to contribute data, has highlighted a number of parrots in its review: Crimson Shining Parrot: change from Vulnerable (VU) to Near Threatened (NT) Meek’s Lorikeet: change from Near Threatened (NT) to Least Concern (LC) Striated Lorikeet: change from Near Threatened (NT) to Least Concern (LC) Duchess Lorikeet: change from Near Threatened (NT) to Least Concern (LC) Red-faced Parrot: change from Least Concern (LC) to Endangered (EN)

THAT OTHER BLUE MACAW: Good news for the endangered Lear’s macaw! Three Lear’s Macaw chicks have hatched to a captive-born pair in their natural habitat in the Brazilian Caatinga, the Loro Parque Foundation (LPF) has revealed. In 1990, only 22 individual birds were counted in Caatinga. Lear’s macaws have been close to extinction in the wild as a result of poaching and deforestation, and has a worldwide population of fewer than 2,000 including captive birds. Javier Almunia, director of LPF said: “This success reaffirms the relevance of zoo work in conservation, highlighting that animals raised in human care can indeed be successfully introduced to the wild.” We are delighted to see this pair of Lear’s Macaw not only return to their natural habitat, but successfully reproduce with three chicks in the same clutch – a rarity occurring in only 3% of wild pairs.” Efforts to save the species include on-site initiatives to combat poaching, ensuring farmers were compensated for any damage caused by the birds to their crops and even bee control. In collaboration with other organizations, LPF has conducted thorough field analysis, including measuring, georeferencing and quantifying the affected corn plantations to provide a precise and effective response. – From BIRDGUIDES

DON’T BE A TWIT: Twitter’s blue bird flew away – for now. World Parrot Trust (WPT) in partnership with the marketing company Conill, is rallying support for the preservation of the endangered Lear’s macaw and other parrots in a unique campaign, “#LetTheBlueBirdFly,” urging Elon Musk to grant the retired Twitter blue bird logo a new lease on life by donating it to WPT in support of critical conservation, education and habitat preservation. To that end, they’ve shared a captivating video and message directly with Musk on X. Supporters of this effort should: 1. Follow @ParrotTrust on X (formerly Twitter) 2. Reshare the campaign message 3. Tag @elonmusk with the hashtag #LetTheBlueBirdFly 4. Encourage friends, family and other compassionate parrot lovers to get involved! You can also contribute by making a direct donation to the World Parrot Trust at: https://letthebluebirdfly.parrots.org/

From Facebook

NORTHERN STAR: A casting call is out for owners of pets with mysterious illnesses, quirky conditions or in need of life changing medical care; particularly owners in need of financial assistance. The “Pets and Pickers” TV series, seen on CTV, Discovery Canada, Crave and Discovery US is working with a local veterinary hospital that offers financial assistance on a case by case basis. Birds and other “exotics” are encouraged to apply along with dogs and cats. More info at casting@tysonmedia.ca.

AND SO IT BEGINS: Not even out of August and the onslaught of pumpkin flavored/scented products begins, including an online ad for pumpkin birdie bites.

MAILBAG: Jane Mason writes: I follow SciShow and usually like what they put out. But I think they missed the mark a little on this one. While they get the video calling, they miss that parrots can and do learn the meaning of what they say. It’s far more than ‘just’ mimicry. Maybe they need to follow Parrot Kindergarten and some of the incredible work being done by its founders. They’re the same people (Jennifer Cunha etc al) behind those video calls. — On the Russian/Ukraine war and rising parrot food prices, American federation of Aviculture’s Adrianne Mock writes: The primary reason is that the Ukraine is one of the largest producers and exporters of grains. Any products requiring grains (whole, processed or flours) will be impacted.

HOT DATES:  9/1,2,3: National Cockatiel Society – Triple Show Weekend with California Cockatiel Exhibitors &1 West Shore Dr., Warwick, RI 8 am-1 pm Enthusiasts  Irvine, CA — 9/1,2: BAA (Budgerigar Association of America) Grand National  Waynesburg, PA  — 9/1: ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DISASTER: With all the natural disasters these last few weeks and knowing that members of the parrot community have been impacted, Robin Sullivan of The Leather Elves and guest Jodie Olmos of Kiko’s Toy Chest will discuss ways to get prepared before disaster strikes. Some simple tasks can help you and your flock when faced with a difficult situation. Live video presentation on The Leather Elves Facebook page; 7 p.m., EST –…9/2,3: EXOTIC PET EXPO: Paducah, KY —9/3: LIPS PICNIC AT THE PINE PAVILLION: at Belmont Lake State Park. More info on the Long Island Parrot Society website — 9/7: THEY FOUGHT THE LAW: Those bad ol’ “animal rights” folks are at it again. Potential upcoming legislation may severely impact the bird keeping hobby – possibly even banning altogether the keeping of pet birds. American Federation of Aviculture hosts a live online workshop on these issues and how to lobby your local legislators. 5 pm Pacific; 7 p.m. Central and 8 Eastern. http://www.//online.flippingbook.com/view/192028009/ Links to connect to Legislation 101 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85736233022 Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/AFABirds/live_videos — 9/12: Birds of a Feather Video – Flock Together with Jennifer Cunha. The Parrot Club of CT Zoom webinar

in

From the parrot’s beak: 8/27

And just like that, those fun summer days are dwindling. – Photo by George Sommers

HAMBURGLAR & PARROT GANG ROBBERY: Too often we hear about stolen parrots, but how about parrots as robbers? According to Fairfax County VA police, around 8 a.m. on Aug. 22, a suspected Hamburglar with three parrots walked into a McDonald’s, pulled a knife and robbed a man’s money. It’s not known if he or the parrots wanted fries with that. Police reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business that showed the suspect, described as a Hispanic man between 28 and 32 years old wearing a black cowboy hat with tattoos and two parrots on top, a patterned shirt and a third parrot on his shoulder. This guy would have been a great archvillain in the classic TV “Batman”. The suspect took his ill gotten order to go in a blue Ford SUV. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call (703) 256-8035 or submit an anonymous tip online. – See video here: Man with three parrots wanted for robbery in Fairfax From https://www.fox5dc.com/news/bird-bandit-suspect-accompanied-by-3-parrots-robs-man-at-knifepoint-in-fairfax-co?fbclid=IwAR1kt8lBS9Fjmxmv0iZYQAgfTb8zlCS4jPWQYGZbgCLM0CkcrZ9DqnHKks0

From Facebook

MAUI FIRE UPDATE: Bob (no last name given) managed to escape the Maui fire with a cockatoo named Beaker and a green winged macaw named Dallas. Bob carried them on his arm to his car but was unable to carry his 3rd bird, a cockatoo; to safety. He also was forced to leave behind 6 cats. His surviving parrots have been staying with Maui Bird Rescue and he visits them several times a week. — Fourteen lucky parrots were rounded up and will be provided for by The Parrot Posse, until their owners can, hopefully, rebuild their homes and their lives. The parrots will be “under the wing” of the Hyatt Lahaina while the Posse provides them with room service for the duration: food, toys, nuts, and whatever else they need until they have homes to return to, The Parrot Posse is also organizing a fundraiser for parrots and their owners effected by the fire See their Facebook page or website for info. — In addition to the groups mentioned in early editions of last week’s “Beak”, American Federation of Aviculture disaster relief is also helping out in Maui. Nick Pendergrass is in charge. — Meanwhile, wildfires have forced the evacuation of thousands of human residents of Tenerife, a Spanish island that is also home to Loro Parque, a zoo which includes several species of parrots. So far, the park, one of the Canary Islands, seems to be safe; although the fires have been creeping down the mountain in the park’s direction.

IT’S NO TEDDY BEAR PICNIC: And barring tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, scorching heat and Yogi Bear; parrot clubs on both coasts (and likely some in between) will soon be throwing their annual picnics. These are arguably the most fun club events, where members can socialize and bring their birds along to socialize as well in bucolic settings. Long Island Parrot Society has its Picnic at the Pavillion on Sept. 3. South Bay Bird Society has their Parrot Party Picnic, including a raffle, on 9/10 at Columbia Park from 12-2:30. See HOT DATES for info.

PSITTACINEMA:

What Are Parrots Saying When They Mimic Humans

BRONX BUDGIES: New York’s Bronx Zoo joins the growing list of facilities that offer a walkthrough budgie aviary – Budgie Landing – where visitors can interact with and feed free flying parakeets with seed sticks. Tickets additional to regular admission (sorry) are required. One visitor reportedly noticed a few budgies with what appeared to be mites on their faces, took photos and told the keepers, who said they would look into it, and later emailed the zoo with the photos.

CUTE TILL TRAGEDY STRIKES: Parrot Trust Scotland reminds us we despair when we see cutie posts about birds getting on with cats and dogs – the reality is they often don’t and, even if they seem to, there just might be that one time when the prey instinct kicks in – it only takes one bite from the bird or a sudden noise to startle the cat or dog and the reality is not a cuddly companionship but a dead bird. The tiniest wee scratch from a cat or even a lick from it can be fatal for birds. Pictures of cats being ‘friends’ with birds are not cute or smart, it’s a ticking time bomb waiting for a disaster to happen. It only needs to happen once and the beloved bird is dead.

ADOPTION OPPORTUNITY: Parrots First in California is currently in need of foster homes for birds currently their wait list. If you think you are up for this rewarding challenge please contact Rose at rose@parrotsfirst.org for details.

MAILBAG: Last week’s item about the harassment and violence against a lost parrot’s owners in Australia elicited some strong responses, not surprisingly. Kashmir Csaky writes: The story about Astrid is both heart breaking and terrifying. I cannot imagine the pain that Astrid’s owners are suffering through. I hope they get those men and hang them by their testicles. EDITOR’S RESPONSE: We essentially agree although to be fair, there may have been some “Sheilas” involved as well. A Barbie world may not be all pink! — Victoria Scott writes: It looks like USA isn’t the only 1st world country that breed A*holes of people! How horrible that must have been and they were only trying to find lost feather baby. Some people really make me sick! — About the rise in parrot food prices, Norma Lili writes: Well of course price has to rise after Ukraine, isn’t that the problem, is for everything, Ah well, us oldies soon won’t afford to have a Parrot . EDITOR’S RESPONSE: We’re not quite following what the connection is here – maybe the interruption of agriculture in Ukraine? – but thanks for the input.

HOT DATES:  8/20-24: ExoticsCon  Boston, MA for vet professionals — 8/26: CAR WASH BENEFIT RHODE ISLAND PARROT RESCUE 2141 West Shore Dr., Warwick RI. 8 am-1 pm. Also featuring a yard sale. — 8/27: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair  –  Kissimmee, FL — Joliet Bird Fair — 9/1,2,3: National Cockatiel Society – Triple Show Weekend with California Cockatiel Exhibitors &1 West Shore Dr., Warwick, RI 8 am-1 pm Enthusiasts  Irvine, CA — 9/1,2: BAA (Budgerigar Association of America) Grand National  Waynesburg, PA  — 9/3: LIPS PICNIC AT THE PINE PAVILLION: at Belmont Lake State Park. It is on the September calendar of events on the Long Island Parrot Society website

From the parrot’s beak: 8/20

A tale of two ‘tiels – or two tails of two ‘tiels. – Photo by George Sommers

MAUI FIRE RELIEF: As once tropical paradise Maui became a hellish inferno many parrots suffered, along with the human residents. One man in Lahaina liked to have tourists pose with his macaws for photos. Lahaina is now essentially wiped out. Dr. Amy Hopkins, president of Connecticut’s Parrot Club and Gala Burkholder, communications director of South Bay Bird Society; came up with a list of agencies that may help: Maui Humane Society has taken in displaced parrots and is accepting donations for pets who need medical care as a result of the fire; also donations of cages to house homeless parrots. Contact (808) 359-0431 or https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/ Link to television interview with spokesperson from the Maui Humane Society: https://app.frame.io/reviews/4aa063fe-ea45-4bed-b004-20dcb577b88a/9261ca96-5ab3-46d6-99e2-22e688d6a3d9 — Network for Animals: https://networkforanimals.org/appeal/emergency-relief-maui-wildfires-august-2023/ –-Animal Survival International: https://animalsurvival.org/— Hawaiian Airlines may be accommodating sending cages and other supplies to Maui. American Federation of Aviculture disaster relief is also helping out in Maui. Nick Pendergrass is in charge, adds Kashmir Csaky of International Celebration o fBirds.

PARROT FOOD PRICES – UP, UP AND…: Just when you think inflation is starting to ease, Lafeber announces an increase in bird food prices, effective Sept. 1. The company blames the rise in prices for ingredients and raw materials. They also advise bird owners to stock up beforehand to beat the increase. They can be contacted at (800) 842-4665

From Facebook

UNWELCOME RESPONSE TO LOST PARROT REWARD: Astrid the parrot from Adelaide, Australia has gone missing. Owner Conor Mulligan put up posters with his phone number and a reward offer. But instead of welcome news, he started receiving harassing phone calls and texts. “Pretty much saying they had our bird, and they had eaten our bird, they were torturing our bird,” he told the local ABC radio affiliate. Unbelievably, it gets worse. Following up a seemingly promising lead, he says, “We were drawn to Park Holme Coles, we were told that they had found Astrid,” he said. “When we arrived, the car was surrounded by up to 10 individuals with weapons. Some of the group kicked the panels of his car. “One of them hit the car twice with a machete,” he said. “It was one of the scariest situations that my wife and I ever thought that we’d be in.” Just one of? He and his wife managed to escape and call the police but the perps had already taken it on the lam. Police recommend people attempt to gather details such as a phone number before meeting, and take note of the description of the person including the registration number of the car. Mulligan encourages owners to ask for photo evidence of their missing pet before meeting up with anyone. Astrid flew the coop as his humans were packing to move, but the couple continues to search, even enlisting a drone in the effort. Astrid is green with a blue tag on her left leg. – From ABC Australia News

IT’S THE BIG ONE: American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) teams up with with the Avicultural Society of America (ASA) and Organization of Professional Aviculturists (OPA) for the annual AFA joint conference on 9/27-10/1 in Dallas, Texas. Registration fee for the arguably biggest companion parrot event of the year includes 3 days admission to all speakers and special events, the Saturday night banquet and the offsite trip to the Fort Worth Zoo.

BREED ALL ABOUT IT: Nearly 1000 years ago and almost 1000 miles from their native habitat, scarlet macaws were being bred by humans. According to an analysis of eggshell fragments found at an archaeological site, they were bred in what is now New Mexico during the 1100s. Cyler Conrad and his team studied six of the fragments, which were discovered alongside the articulated remains of a macaw. The eggshells are indirectly dated to the early 1100s by previous bone radiocarbon dating. Using a non-destructive scanning electron microscope, the authors looked for evidence of fetal development inside the eggs. The presence of fertilized scarlet macaw eggs at this site strongly suggests macaw breeding was occurring in the 1100s. This is the first evidence of macaw breeding north of Paquimé, in northwestern Mexico, where macaw breeding was known to occur after 1275. The birds are native to the rainforests of Mexico and Central America but were transported and kept by people as far north as the desert US Southwest as early as the 600s. – From ScitechDaily

GETTING A FOOTHOLD: Ever try eating with your foot like a parrot? Or catching a fish with your foot like an osprey? A common ancestor of both parrots and raptors made an evolutionary tradeoff: When their forelimbs became wings, they could no longer use those limbs to eat, build homes and care for their young. Many species use their beak for those tasks instead. But others evolved to be “pedal dexterous”—able to accomplish with their feet other animals undertake with hands. Researchers discovered that great many times over grandparent from more than 60 million years ago. It was an early example of a clade of tree-dwelling birds called the Telluraves—including parrots, falcons, owls and songbirds It began to diversify shortly after the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Because these birds evolved to live in trees, researchers suspect that the ancient ancestor may have first evolved primitive grasping skills in its feet in order to help it hold on to branches. Those early Telluraves had long, backward-facing toes—just like many modern tree-dwelling birds—that would have worked like opposable thumbs for grasping, as well as toe tendons that could have helped it grip with greater force.  – For more, go to https://www.science.org/content/article/without-hands-some-birds-wing-it-their-feet?fbclid=IwAR2vrnYVcTO7wsXzm74gwX3YdTeEypUDRngt76DbB_86W7CfOAzvPvbpAm4

OMG THEY HAVEN’T KILLED KENNY: There really is a South Park, located in Pennsylvania. We don’t know about Kenny, but and Rocket the ‘too is none the worse for wear after launching himself up into a tree. The Broughton Volunteer Fire Department was called in to help and started to set up the rescue equipment. But they needn’t have bothered – Rocket flew to another tree and then down to the ground where he was reunited with his human flock. – From CBS Pittsburgh News

From Facebook

PSITTACINEMA: Sweet Cockatiel Sings Lullaby To 2-Week-Old Baby

DEER ME: “This morning I heard the birds screaming. Not their bear or bobcat scream. It was their deer scream which is not as bad. This little brave fawn was alone. He got about four feet from the door and you could see the curiosity all over the fawn’s face as well as the fear. His little feet would take a step forward and then backwards again and would nervously lick his lips. We were standing by a window next to the door and the fawn never saw us. He was too focused on looking through the glass door. The birds continued to scream. Then I said, ‘Its a baby.’ That did not help. Then I told them, ‘Egg, Baby. That’s a baby.’ The breeding birds immediately **got it** and they became quiet, which made the birds in the adjoining pet bird room quiet too,” posts one parrot owner. Although deer are no bobcats or bears, contrary to popular belief, they’re not always the peaceful herbivores. They’ve been known to pluck and eat birds from bushes – so those parrots knew what they were screaming about!

HOT DATES: 8/16-18: SuperZoo  Las Vegas, NV for pet retailers only — RETURN OF THE SPIX: Dr. Cromwell Purchase is Robin Sullivan’s guest on the Leather Elves Facebook page. The discussion focuses on the reintroduction of the Spix’s macaw to the wild. 7 pm EST — 8/18: The Grey Way – But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1 with Lisa Bono, CPBC  3 p.m. EDT  Lafeber Zoom webinar–- 8/19: OHPA Bird Fair Medina, OH — 8/20-24: ExoticsCon  Boston, MA for vet professionals — 8/20: CLASSIC PARROT DOCUMENTARY: Remastering on “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is complete. The new digital restoration and 5.1 surround sound mix makes its theatrical debut at the Avalon Theater in Washington D.C. Sunday, 8/20. To celebrate its 100th year as a movie theater, the Avalon has chosen one film to represent each decade of the theater’s existence, and “Wild Parrots” was picked to represent the first decade of this century. — Foothill Bird Fanciers Exotic Bird Mart  Auburn, CA — 8/27: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair  –  Kissimmee, FL — Joliet Bird Fair

           

From the parrot’s beak: 8/13

Summer’s flying by, like this blue & gold macaw depicted on The Parrot, a Nantasket Beach, MA restaurant. – Photo by George Sommers

BACK FROM THE FRONT: Roxy the ‘too may soon be able to flee from war torn Ukraine. Owner Sergii Antonov was forced to depart without her. Red tape may be untangling as Antonov received CITES permission last week to import Roxy to the Czech Republic. Next step is waiting for permission from Ukraine (they have a chance to be rehabilitated after the first refusal). – From Facebook

CATCH AND RELEASE: Ground breaking efforts of Spix’s macaw reintroduction into the wild along with similar programs for the Lear’s macaw, green-winged macaw, vinaceous-breasted Amazon, yellow-naped Amazon and grey-breasted parakeet were the topic of a symposium at #iiornithologicalcongressoftheamericas. Global experts shared valuable insights the challenges, advances and innovative strategies in parrot reintroduction.. Co-directors were Dr. Donald Brightsmith and Dr. @ErikaPacifico – From The Macaw Society

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN: Flooding damage to Macaw Mountain Bird Park and nature reserve in Honduras is extensive and discouraging says founder Lloyd Davidson; including severe damage to aviaries, bridges and walkways. Staff, though uninjured, were shaken by the event and saddened by the loss of six scarlet macaws and other beloved birds caught in the tragedy. Still, most of the infrastructure is at a higher elevation and avoided a lot of damage. Thankfully, critical installations such as the quarantine aviaries, the clinic, and the breeding center — containing 20 scarlet macaw chicks — were unharmed. More good news; World Parrot Trust exceeded a fundraising goal of $10K thanks to contributions including matching contributions of two generous supporters which will go toward rebuilding.

CALIFORNIA CLUB GOES HOLLYWOOD: In an effort to battle a nationwide trend in declining bird club attendance/participation, South Bay Bird Society board members are calling on its members to submit footage of their birds from Tic Toc, You.tube and/or Instagram to make a short birdie video to put on a social media site. Contact communications director Gala Burkholder for info or if you have any ideas for a theme or concept for the video. The club has also been reaching out to the public with notices of club meetings and activities in the animals/pets section of the local Meetup. SBBS is asking for volunteers to step forward to help with various activities.

• From Facebook
• NOW SHOW US YOURS!: Your Exotic Bird Hospital Tshirt, that is. The hospital recently suffered from a devastating fire Proceeds from a Tshirt campaign are going toward recovering and recouping. It’s apparently too late to get a shirt, but for those that did, the Parrot Posse FB page is running a contest in which the shirt photo with the most LIKES wins a Parrot Posse SS tumbler.

HOT DATES: CURRENT–8/14: My Beautiful Pet Bird Contest  entry deadline August 14 — 8/10, 17,24; Parrot Behavior and Training Online Course with Steve Martin  7- 9 p.m. EDT  Natural Encounters Zoom webinar  –  $450 —8/11: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian) 3 p.m. EDT  –  Lafeber  Zoom webinar — 8/12: Rolling Meadows Bird Fair & Sale  Rolling Meadows, IL — Bird Events in Texas Bird Expo  Cleburne, TX — North Texas Cockatiel Club – Class A Show  Cleburne, TX — Avian Behavior and Training with Debbie Foster, CPBT-KA and CPBC 1 p.m. EDT  Phoenix Landing Zoom webinar —West Coast Zebra & Society Finch Show  Sacramento, CA — 8/13: Palm Coast Bird Expo Palm Coast, FL– 8/14: PARROTS HAVE LIPS and Long Island Parrot Society has a Roberta Fabiano live music hour. View on Facebook 5-6 pm EST. See above photo or go to the Frog Hollow Music FB page for info. — 8/16-18: SuperZoo   Las Vegas, NV  for pet retailers only — 8/18: The Grey Way – But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1 with Lisa Bono, CPBC  3 p.m. EDT  –  Lafeber Zoom webinar– 8/19: OHPA Bird Fair Medina, OH — 8/20-24: ExoticsCon  Boston, MA for vet professionals — 8/20: CLASSIC PARROT DOCUMENTARY: Remastering on “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is complete. The new digital restoration and 5.1 surround sound mix makes its theatrical debut at the Avalon Theater in Washington D.C. Sunday, 8/20. To celebrate its 100th year as a movie theater, the Avalon has chosen one film to represent each decade of t8/20: The remastering job on the documentary film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” is complete. The new digital restoration and 5.1 surround sound mix makes its theatrical debut at the Avalon Theater in Washington D.C. on Sunday, August 20. To celebrate its 100th year as a movie theater, the Avalon has chosen one film to represent each decade of the theater’s existence, and “Wild Parrots” was picked to represent the first decade of this century. — Foothill Bird Fanciers Exotic Bird Mart  Auburn, CA

LOST: White-fronted Amazon ‘Buddy’. Medford New York (6310 304-3957 — FOUND : Fischer’s lovebird. Fullerton, CA Proof of ownership required to claim. Bird is currently in the care of an Avian Underdogs Rescue Association volunteer. (949) 584-6696

From the parrot’s beak: 8/6 edition

Lulu the 40 year old Amazon parrot is up for adoption at the Cape Cod, MA Society for the Protection of Animals after the original owner passed away. – Photo by George Sommers

PARROTS HIT LOTTERY JACKPOT: What would you do if you won millions in the lottery? Winner Lesley Herbert of Hampshire, UK built a room, equipped with a flat screen TV, air conditioning, toys and plants – for her African greys, Alfie and Sonny. Their favorite show, is “Dog the Bounty Hunter”. “My very first rescue parrot had just dislocated her foot and I was worried about her, and the vet bill, so I think I was drowning my sorrows when I popped into the shop to get some spinach and instead treated myself to a chocolate bar and scratch card,” explains Herbert. Bibi the rescue bird died and the bills kept coming – but then so did a lottery win for Herbert in 2021. In addition to benefiting her two current pet birds, Ms. Herbert hopes to set up a shelter for abandoned animals such as Sonny, who she took in after his elderly owner died. She also attended a fear of flying course so she can take her family to Disney World in Florida as well as a trip to South America. She said: “My dream has always been to travel to South America to see blue & gold macaws in the wild. Until two years ago I assumed this would be just that, a dream, and that I would have to be happy with watching them on telly. People may think I’m crazy but my animals are very much part of the family so making sure they also benefited from the win is really important to me. Once the children had chosen their rooms, there was one spare, which I decided to turn into the parrot room.” Presumably, her 4 children and 2 dogs got something out of the deal, too! – From https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/african-hampshire-people-basingstoke-south-america-b2385448.html?fbclid=IwAR0O-nwMNlBSdpwjZAWqIPPjnkJM14xSbdHuqHIX9kXDG83_TGk5eFmVMSk

NO HAPPY MEAL FOR ‘TOO: Jason Rusell visited a UK McDonald’s on July 28 along with his partner, a friend, 8 year-old grandchild and Miley; his “assistance” cockatoo. Miley was kept in a special carry cage while the family chowed down – but the group was eventually kicked out. “I’ve got a very rare genetic illness. There’s only four of us in the world. There’s a guy in America and his dad who’s passed away with it, me, and my dad who’s passed away. It causes a lot of chronic pancreatitis, heart disease, depression disorder and anxiety. When I go out, I can be quite timid, I’m not very good in a lot of social situations, I get overwhelmed” and that the white Ducorps cockatoo helps him alleviate social anxiety. After the meal, they were asked by staff to leave, who claimed the ‘too was a hygiene risk. “If a manager had asked why I had the bird, I could have explained to them but I had no way of explaining. It wasn’t even a manager that came and told me,” Russell explained. “Since I’ve had Miley, she helps me. She helps the social side of things. People go to her, she says hello and she talks. She is so sweet natured, there’s no bad bone in her body. She gets everyone’s ears up when she starts talking. I treat Miley like my guide dog.” Russell has made an official complaint to McDonald’s. “They need to learn that people have things for a reason sometimes,” he said. “There’s need to be training on hidden disabilities and mental health and on why people have therapy animals. A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “We’re sorry to hear about this customer’s experience. Members of our Stoke restaurant team spoke to the customer regarding the bird that they’d brought into the restaurant, however it was not made clear to either of them, nor was there any official documentation provided, about the status of this animal. We understand the customer is in touch with our customer services team who are supporting them further.” – From https://get-latest.convrse.media/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolpost.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-world-news%2Fman-assistance-parrot-kicked-out-8648367%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0TfXTm4EPXqvyIYQ_mCcAIWfaBu3N_j9epIQ2Z4HwYaTX4MDgt3epYJlQ&cre=bottom&cip=20&view=web

FIRED UP UPDATE : The “beak” took it on the beak for referring to a facility hit by fire as a “bird store” last week in some teasers, although the article correctly identified the veterinary hospital. Judith Richmond Archer elaborates: “…the Exotic Bird Hospital, which had the fire, is not a ‘bird store,’ but an amazing, top notch avian and exotics hospital whose staffers, as noted, risked their own lives to save the birds and other animals in their care, including one of their techs literally breaking down a door to one of the boarding areas that automatically locked when power was lost, a theft prevention measure that was suddenly a problem. Amazing people, these folks are not paid as firefighters to run into burning buildings, they are front desk staffers, vet techs, and vets who risked their lives to save the dozens of birds entrusted to their care. It is amazing that so many birds were saved, with the EBH staff repeatedly going back inside for more when the power went out.” Nearly 70 animals were removed, not only birds but also some reptiles, rabbits and ferrets. One bird had to be disconnected from an IV. Sadly, one parrotlet belonging to an employee died in the fire. According to initial reports, an oxygen tank explosion caused the fire. “We’re trying to go in there today to grab all of our equipment that might still be savable and pick up anything else we can grab but as far as in there goes it’s pretty much gone,” Sky Bennett, a veterinarian technician, said. “We have people scrounging for where am I going to take my pet, ’cause the dog cat place won’t take them, or they don’t know how to treat them, so that’s the problem,” Sheila Webb, another veterinarian technician, said. The two employees who were taken to the hospital were treated for smoke inhalation. Webb says both have been released and are doing fine. All the animals have been relocated back to their homes or in the care of employees. – For more, go to https://www.firstcoastnews.com/…/77-61492244-0124-4c49...  — You can support recovery efforts for the hospital and get a neat T shirt here: https://www.bonfire.com/exotic-bird-hospital-fundraiser160/

THE BIRDS AND THE FLEAS: A flea market, which apparently owns the land that Everything Birds in West Oldsmar, FL is located, wants to put an Amazon fulfillment center in the spot the bird store has occupied for 20 years because they like the truck access. They’ve given Everything Birds barely 2 months to let them know they’ll be booted by October 1. The bird store is looking for a new location. “We’ve tried to fight this and have written some letters, but the flea market owner Grady Pridgen doesn’t care! We’ll be contacting every news station today.” vows the Bird Store on Facebook. #everythingbirdsoldsmar#babybirds#everythingbirds#parrots#talkingbird#parrot#coolbirds#pet#pets#bird#parrotsofinstagram#birdsofInstagram#petsofinstagram#petstagram#birds#happybirds#happybird

MAINE ATTRACTION: If you’ve ever dreamed of walking among a flock of parakeets, Maine as a destination might not immediately spring to mind. Still, York Wild Kingdom is one of the latest in a growing list of zoos and attractions that has added a walkthrough parakeet aviary where visitors can interact and feed a large flock of colorful budgies. The zoo/amusement park/minigolf combo is also looking to hire for several positions, including animal caretaker.

UNUSUAL REWARD BEING OFFERED by A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue for the return of Bella the umbrella cockatoo.-$3500.00 +$500 (from a donor) = $4000.00 reward for information on her location. They are not trying to take her from the person who has her. As long as she is loved, safe and living a good life that she so deserves, they are ok with her staying put. They just need to know she is ok, get updates every now and then. She says “Bella Bella Bella”.

Hey, did you hear the one about… – Photo by George Sommers SUMMER RERUN: Back by popular demand the August “Pet Gazette” is rerunning “Hookbill Ha Has” http://duxburypetgazette.ma.newsmemory.com/

THE FLYING MONKEY, current newsletter of Foster Parrots, contains several articles of interest including the roller coaster efforts to protect scarlet macaws rom poaching, Mayaguez Zoo parrot rescue, the motivation for hoarding and more.

Click to access July23NEEWSletter_Single_Hyperlinks_c.pdf

MAILBAG: Bhavika Sicka writes: “Terrible that it’s legal to sell birds in a store, reducing sentient beings to commodities. #GoVegan.” EDITOR’S RESPONSE: This is not a typical opinion of most of the “beak” readership; nevertheless we welcome comments, even the controversial ones. — RE the wild cockatoo hotel room trashing, Linda Ditroia writes; “OMG I can’t get over this video although I have two macaws and should not be surprised. My too removed a closet door right off the hinges. Parrots are destructive!”

HOT DATES: 7/1-31: LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH –CURRENT–8/14: My Beautiful Pet Bird Contest  entry deadline August 14 — 8/4: Translating Parrot: Cockatoos – Unraveling the Mysteries with Pamela Clark, IAABC CPBC & retired CVT  3 p.m. EDT  Lafeber Zoom webinar — 8/5: Feathers for Native Americans  12 p.m. EDT Hoosier Feathered Friends Zoom webinar and live in Beech Grove, IN — 8/10, 17,24; Parrot Behavior and Training Online Course with Steve Martin  7- 9 p.m. EDT  Natural Encounters Zoom webinar  –  $450 —8/11: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian) 3 p.m. EDT  –  Lafeber  Zoom webinar — 8/12: Rolling Meadows Bird Fair & Sale  Rolling Meadows, IL — Bird Events in Texas Bird Expo  Cleburne, TX — North Texas Cockatiel Club – Class A Show  Cleburne, TX — Avian Behavior and Training with Debbie Foster, CPBT-KA and CPBC 1 p.m. EDT  Phoenix Landing Zoom webinar —West Coast Zebra & Society Finch Show  Sacramento, CA — 8/13: Palm Coast Bird Expo Palm Coast, FL– 8/16=18: SuperZoo   Las Vegas, NV  –  for pet retailers only — 8/18: The Grey Way – But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1 with Lisa Bono, CPBC  3 p.m. EDT  –  Lafeber Zoom webinar

 

 

From the parrot’s beak: July 30 it’s a cruel, cruel summer edition

It’s a wing and a prayer for parrots getting in trouble this week. – Photo by George Sommers

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR: A hotel room in Queensland, Australia was trashed, but not by a touring rock band. “It was like a tornado had come through our room,” said room occupant Elly-May Hadrian. “Our beds and everything we own is f—ed,” Hadrian says in a TikTok video viewed over 2 million times with thousands of comments. But it wasn’t a tornado, either. “[We] opened the door, saw five or six cockatoos on the floor right outside the minibar.” A bikini bottom was snatched, packets of food were scattered on the floor, bird poo on the bed, the surfaces and their clothes – and to add insult to injury, the birds somehow ran up a $25 minibar bill. It was due to a simple mistake, the guests forgetting to close the balcony door despite warnings from staff. Hamilton Island staff are no stranger to the hungry birds wreaking havoc. “They said it happens every single day,” Hadrian said. Hadrian praised the staff, saying she and her friend cleaned what they could before cleaners came through and took care of everything. The bikini bottom was recovered from a nearby roof.- From Australia 9 News. See the video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=1612994865863874&external_log_id=ff210726-19e0-434b-8a6a-38f853b3eea3&q=cockatoos%20trash%20hotel%20room%20australia

 FIRED UP: Two people were hospitalized and one bird perished in a fire at Exotic Bird Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. Defying orders from the Jacksonville Fire Dep’t.; vet office staff, avian vet techs and vets rushed into the burning building and managed to save all the birds except for one parrotlet. One lizard was also saved. Unknown is if there were other non-bird animals. The fire caused extensive damage to the building, and is believed to have started when an oxygen tank exploded. The two people who went to the hospital have non-life threatening injuries. – See video here https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/25/fire-at-exotic-bird-hospital-sends-2-to-the-hospital-1-bird-died/?utm_content=64c02dee94841c897283f712df197665&fbclid=IwAR24zmAOaPKGeOkHctmWE2afcqHE1-RteVggiguu2Fc9D1vj7PydtlpZJmo and more from Facebook reports, including https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/25/fire-at-exotic-bird-hospital-sends-2-to-the-hospital-1-bird-died/?utm_content=64c02dee94841c897283f712df197665&fbclid=IwAR1-eGaLqau_J8vFQdmS_V2mxAA7eiw4Q2QwDI7-I_QzIB1bzOu923rFQOI

Macaw mountain rescue. – From Facebook

Peregrine falcon – Photo by George Sommers

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN: Freeflying¹has its risks. Owner Molly and her two parrots, including Jeckyll the macaw, set out to join a group of other bird/owner teams in Wales when the event went awry. At least one (reports differ) peregrine falcon (Mr. Hyde?) chased Jeckyll away, forcing Molly with second parrot perched on her rucksack to attempt to retrieve the wayward macaw after locating his position on a tracker on 3,284 ft. high Glyder Fawr mountain, climbing so high that she became stuck and in danger. Parrot #2, flew down on its own to rejoin the group. Chris Lloyd, chairman of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, said: “We managed to locate her phone eventually” enabling them to pinpoint her location on “very steep and heavily vegetated ground”. One of the rescue team climbed up and attached a rope to her so she could scramble down safely. Rescuers were greeted by a warm “hello” from Jeckyll. After being brought down to safety, Molly and Jeckyll were said to be fine. “[Jeckyll] was quite happy to tuck into a cereal bar,” said Mr. Lloyd. – From BBC.com, North Wales Live, Wales Online, Global BC and Gwnedd Live

Red tail hawk. –Photo by George Sommers

HAWKEYE: A red-tailed hawk perched on a telephone pole, scanning the gardens. Five finches fly from an acacia and land just above the hawk, taunting him. One of the renowned “Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” let out a squawk, presenting author Mark Bittner with a dilemma. The parrot has stopped somewhere that he can’t see the hawk. There’s no way to warn the parrot. “Should I throw something at the hawk? Or do I let nature take its course? I decide on the latter. I come into the house and find Parker and Big Bird staring at the hawk through a window, frozen.” — In more “Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” news, the documentary film based on the book has been remastered and will premiere at Washington DC’s Avalon theater on 8/20. See upcoming HOT DATES for more info.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?: A must for parrot lovers lucky enough to visit St. Maarten is Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, where visitors can interact with over 100 individual birds representing nearly 30 species including sun conures, black-headed caiques and ring-necked parakeets. Why the “misspelled” name? The park was founded and opened in 2015 by animal lover George Parotte. – More in The Kids Friendly Island Sxm with @beautifulbirdparkparrotville

PSITTACINEMA: I hope you brought enough for everybody. Woman’s Sweet Attempt to Feed a Cockatoo a Cracker Backfires …

SCARLET LETTER: There are only 300-400 scarlet macaws left in the wild in Guatemala, Mexico and Belize.

PARROT NABBER NABBED: Now he’s in a cage. Miami Dade Police arrested Lazaro Ariel Mantillaur in connection with a slew of stolen parrot reports. He is accused of stealing a total of 14 parrots. One incident caught on surveillance video showed a man after he stuffed parrots into a bag at a nursery and took off running. So far, police said, some of the birds remain missing, and they’re still searching for some owners. The owner of two parrots were able to recover their cockatoo, Pepe, but their harlequin macaw, Riki, is still missing. Mantillaur was charged with 6 counts of burglary, possession of cocaine, grand theft and resisting an officer without violence. As of last Saturday night, Mantillaur remains behind bars at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade. If you have information on these thefts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. You can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.- More, including video: https://www.nbcmiami.com/…/police-arrest-man…/3076980/ also https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/police-find-at-least-14-stolen-birds-in-doral-arrest-man-on-burglary-and-grand-theft-charges-owners-reunited-with-pets/?fbclid=IwAR2oTGKlb4pgwzGykI39H6As3IiHf6KLCuxZVJ8nPvcQn1XJG_Gn4PwXSqE

BOOK ‘IM: Barney survived living at the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs, BC and is a Greyhaven alumni “Barney The West Coast Cockatoo“, now he has written his very own book, with a little help from a friend.

MACAWS IN NEED OF ADOPTION: As if the heat wasn’t enough of a problem for Arizona, now 21 parrots; mostly macaws, are in need of new homes. The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) recently impounded the birds as part of an animal hoarding investigation in collaboration with the county sheriff’s department. Their partner, Tucson-based Paradise Parrot Rescue, will help care for the birds and find them homes. If you’re interested in adopting, fostering, or donating to the birds’ care, visit paradiseparrotrescue.org. – From Arizona 12 news

MAIBAG: “World Animal Protection looks like an animal rights (not welfare) organization,” writes A.M. in response to an item last week about a member of that group calling on the “big box” pet stores to stop selling pets.

HELP HOMELESS ANIMALS: The “Pet Gazette” website and newspaper donates most of its ad space to animal shelters. Help homeless animals to find a loving family by advertising with the “Pet Gazette” and have your business reach countless animal enthusiasts online and as a bonus, thousands more in southern MA through our print edition.. http://duxburypetgazette.ma.newsmemory.com/ Contact ads@petgazette.net and tell ‘em George sent you!

The Parrot Wizard puts in a public appearance this weekend. See details below. – Photo by George Sommers

HOT DATES: 7/1-31: LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH –CURRENT–8/14: My Beautiful Pet Bird Contest  entry deadline August 14— — 7/28-30:  Summer Festival at Parrot Stars with Michael Sazhin, the Parrot Wizard and free coffee and donuts. How could you go wrong? Arlington Heights, IL —7/28: LIVING WITH PARROTS: NEVER A DULL MOMENT: Content creator Zeb Ernest joins Robin Sullivan for a live chat on the Leather Elves Facebook page 7 p.m. EST —TRANSLATING PARROT with Pamela Clark the first in a series of webinars for Lafeber. Will discuss the option of taking your parrot with you when you travel by car. Other options will also be discussed, but this webinar is designed to show how easy it can be to pack your parrot along with just a bit of preparation. For more information go to https://lafeber.com/…/webinar-translating-parrot-travel…Loki Bird — 7/29,30: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair: Lawrenceville, GA —7/29: Welfare and Standards of Care for Parrots with Anthony Pilny, DVM, DIPL (Avian Practice)  1 pm EDT  –  Phoenix Landing Zoom webinar — 8/7: WHAT MAKES YOUR BIRD HAPPY? Is the theme of the South Bay Bird Society monthly meeting. 7 PM Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club Building 2515 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA

1. ↩︎

From the parrot’s beak: July 23

Cockatiels. – Photo by George Sommers

COLOR ME GULLIBLE: “Blue cockatoo now available very few and rear species” – a recent Facebook posting; including photo of “blue” sulfur crested ‘too (most likely dyed). Even if you’re buying the idea of a naturally blue ‘too telltale scam signs include misspellings (i.e. “rear” for “rare”). Wild ‘toos in Australia are sometimes seen in various hues including pink, yellow and green; the likely work of pranksters.

KAKAPOS TAKE STEP FORWARD a good thing since they can’t fly. Those nocturnal and heaviest of all parrots – kakapos – are making a comeback in New Zealand. As the flightless birds are easy pickings for introduced predators, their numbers were once down to a paltry 51, but conservation and breeding efforts on predator free islands have more than quadrupled that number. A new kākāpō population has just been released at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. This means kākāpō will be back living on mainland New Zealand for the first time in almost four decades. Fingers crossed! –Read more here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/kakapo-translocation

HEY, THESE AREN’T OUR KIDS: What do you do when your rare kakariki lays a second clutch of eggs but needs a rest after having just raised 6 chicks? One breeder keeps a few pairs of not so rare budgies to foster the additional kakariki eggs.

A LA CAR(TE): A kea attacking a car antenna was featured on one of those funniest video shows. The mischievous birds native to the mountains of New Zaland are known to chew on, move around and steal almost anything human related that they can get their beaks on.

THINGS THAT AREN’T LIKELY TO HAPPEN DEP’T.: Wildlife campaign manager 0f World Animal Protection Liz Cabrera Holtz urges people to contact PetSmart and Petco and get them to stop selling live animals. She noted that New York City, among other places, has banned the sale of guinea pigs – but most of these bans are a temporary response to a glut of the animals being given up to shelters after the COVID epidemic. “Animal rights” people are also cited as the reason the “big box ” stores no longer carry large birds, but rising unaffordable prices may have also played a role.

PSITTACINEMA: Parrot cake? I thought you said carrot cake. https://youtube.com/shorts/n1Dz6sdCxVE?feature=

RISING STAR: Even the shelter personnel earned against the adoption of the “crazy” parrot, but Nadia adopted blue & gold macaw Vandal, anyway. Vandal and Nadia recently appeared on “Toon in with Me”, a kids’ cartoon show with some live segments. The show’s theme that day was pets, and Nadia did a great job explaining the complexity of pet parrot care and why some parrots end up in shelters.

BUDGIE BOUNTY: It’s not just the big birds that become too much to handle for some folks. Meika’s Safehouse in Alberta, Canada has 97 budgies surrender to them so far this year. “This number tells us how grossly overbred they are and that people don’t realize that even small birds are big work! We have dozens and dozens of budgies available to adopt…. if you can provide a loving, enriching, healthy home, consider maybe applying for one or two of our little ones,” says their Facebook page.

GET LOST: Petco now offering free registration in Petco Love Lost, which they say is the largest national lost and found pets data base.

READING MATERIAL: A blog post explores the long and colorful history of parrots as pets.. https://www.birdstreetbistro.com/…/a-history-of-parrots…

HOT DATES: &/1-31: LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH –CURRENT–8/14: My Beautiful Pet Bird Contest  entry deadline August 14–—7/14-18: AVMA Convention 2023  Denver, CO  $345  for veterinary professionals — –7/23: BINGO FOR BIRDS: Benefit for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue.at Sports Legends Pub 2121 Westshore Dr., Warwick, RI. 3-6 pm —Apopka/Orlando Bird Expo  –  Apopka, FL — 7/28-30:  Summer Festival at Parrot Stars with Michael Sazhin,   Arlington Heights, IL —TRANSLATING PARROT with Pamela Clark the first in a series of webinars for Lafeber. Will discuss the option of taking your parrot with you when you travel by car. Other options will also be discussed, but this webinar is designed to show how easy it can be to pack your parrot along with just a bit of preparation. For more information go to https://lafeber.com/…/webinar-translating-parrot-travel…Loki Bird — 7/29,30: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair: Lawrenceville, GA —7/29: Welfare and Standards of Care for Parrots with Anthony Pilny, DVM, DIPL (Avian Practice)  1 pm EDT  –  Phoenix Landing Zoom webinar

From the parrot’s beak: July 16

Summer is the season for colorfully clad Jimmy buffet fans, aka parrot heads. – Photo by George Sommers

WOTSIT TAKE TO LURE A LOST MACAW: Mango the b&g macaw flew out the window after being startled by a thunderstorm on July 9 in Birmingham, UK. Owner Karen Godwin drove around, put up posters and went on social media, but to no avail. Two days later and two roads away, a family heard a squawking “Hello” way overhead in a huge pine tree. “Somebody said she heard Mango calling from a tree on the street behind our house. I said ‘no that’s just a blackbird’ but then all of a sudden as clear as day you could hear her calling out ‘Hello’,” says Godwin. “I was still in my pajamas and dashed around to the roads behind us and there she was sat 60ft up in the air in a birch tree. She started getting very animated saying all the words she knows – like’ hello’, ‘Mango’, ‘feed me’ and a bit rudely calling out t**t.” Firefighters` and roofers` ladders fell short of the mark. Mango turned up her beak at grapes and other lunch box goodies offered by local bin men (aka trash collectors in Brit slang and yes, I had to look it up). “By complete coincidence a tree surgeon who lives on the next road along was finishing up a job and he came within the hour,” continues Godwin. Tree surgeon Nathan McKane, who runs McKane Maintenance, used ropes to clamber up the tree before enticing the peckish parrot towards him with a packet of Wotsits, a British snack. Mango refused to budge, taunting his would be rescuer by saying “say please” Finally, Mango could no longer resist the lure of the cheesy corn puffs. It was all friendly flirtation at first until “I managed to grab the back of its feathers and put it up against my t-shirt,” McKane said, “but I’ve been pecked to death. I’ve had to superglue my finger back together.” Appropriately enough, July is National Lost Pets Prevention Month. –From world.uk/news/birmingham-great-barr-missing-parrot-4216680?fbclid=IwAR2YfCfRXObcyPssYZ_Rd4gkM2LzVMp4zacC-SZoW43As35Q_56h77T6QcE

A FOND FAREWELL: to Paquita, a more than 60-year-old Amazon parrot who was a star attraction at Sunken Gardens n St. Petersburg, FL. “(She) has so much fun interacting with guests! Her cheerful whistles and mischievous laugh could be heard throughout the Gardens and we will especially miss the sound of her joyfully singing out ‘PAQUIIIIIITA!’ to greet the children who visited daily from Great Explorations and throughout the community,” Sunken Gardens wrote. “Paquita will always be a cherished member of the Sunken Gardens family and a treasured part of our history.” She passed after being recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. – For more, including video, go to https://patch.com/florida/stpete/beloved-parrot-paquita-dies-st-pete-s-sunken-gardens-watch?fbclid=IwAR2MehxAvpFfG051oQyKC2ANHgoi4asrHaN5uHwXrq7-5V1o6BGMvwnS8t

GET LOST: Actually, don’t – and since it’s National Lost Pet Prevention Month, Rhode Island Pet Rescue offers the following tips. First, and most importantly, NEVER take your parrot outside without a harness or travel cage. We have heard “my bird would never…” …Until “never” becomes “once” and once is enough times to lose your bird friend. And clipped wings will not prevent parrots from flying away or getting killed by birds of prey. Make sure all windows have secure screens in place if you have your windows open. Keep an eye on doors leading to outside. If you have kids running in and out (especially during the summer!) or company over, make sure your parrot is secure inside of a separate room or inside of their enclosure. Double door systems work great, as well as curtains in doorways to prevent a direct flight path to the outdoors. If you have an outdoor enclosure, cage, screened porch or aviary for your parrot, make sure it is secure. Parrots can be escape artists… and their beaks can snap, rip, and tear through very strong material! Also be cautious of other critters breaking INTO the enclosure. We have heard of raccoon attacks more times than we would like to admit! Don’t take risks! Don’t be lax! It takes only one second for an accident to happen! Just sticking your head out the door to bring the mail in could be the beginning of a nightmare. Parrots can be incredibly difficult to find and bring back home, especially if they are scared (most lost pets are) and not fond of strangers. – For more, #NationalLostPetPreventionMonth#NationalLostPetPreventionMonth2021

PARROTRIVIA: In a subplot mot directly related to “The Toupee”; an episode of “My Three Sons”, Chip tries to tech a parakeet to talk.

SMUGGLERS’ BLUES: Another week; another foiled smuggling attempt.mA few days ago, the Limbe Wildlife Centre rescued 84 endangered African grey parrots. The birds, along with a large bag filled with over 100 kilograms of pangolin scales, were seized by military forces (BIR) in Bakassi where they were being shipped to Nigeria. The parrots were crammed into two small and dirty wooden boxes in which they could barely stand and move around. They arrived at the LWC under high stress resulting from lack of food and water and being overcrowded in a box while being transported for several days. The African grey parrot is one of the most protected species in Cameroon (Class A), and that no capture nor export are allowed. For years, Cameroon has been a hub for export and sourcing of wild parrots. Despite further regulations, poachers and traffickers continue to trade the species and to feed illegal pet markets. Despite increasing conservation and education effort by the LWC, African greys are not safe and their populations still highly threatened. –From Facebook

VOLUNTEERS PLEASE STEP FORWARD: Weekday help wanted for Rhode Island Parrot Rescues. See https://www.riparrots.org/form/62501

OH, BEHAVE: Natural Encounters, Inc. Workshops can’t bring the whole ranch but they can visit you, virtually. Join their Parrot Behavior and Training Online Course starting next month by registering today. The 4 week course takes place over Zoom and includes course content on the science of behavior change, free flight, and tools for interpreting and making positive change with unwanted behaviors and much more. This course is designed for those working in close proximity with any parrot species, whether as companion animals in the home or as educational ambassadors.

HELP HOMELESS ANIMALS: “Pet Gazette” donates FREE promotional space to shelters with animals up for adoption. You can help this mission and promote your pet related business by advertising in the online “Pet Gazette”. Reach countless animal enthusiasts nationwide plus get a bonus FREE ad in the print edition distributed in Massachusetts. http://duxburypetgazette.ma.newsmemory.com/ Contact ads@petgazette.net and tell ‘em George sent you!

HOT DATES: 7/1-31: NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH —7/14-18: AVMA Convention 2023  Denver, CO  $345  for veterinary professionals — 7/14: TOTAL RECALL Join Robin Shewokis Sullivan and guest Chris Armstrong of Percy Wings Aviary at 7 EST pm on The Leather Elves FB page for a chat about training recall behaviors in companion birds. You can increase your chances of getting that lost bird back home by doing some training before the crisis hits. == Avian Vet Insider – Enrichment & Building Trust Through “Trick” Training with Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)  3 PM EDT  Lafeber Zoom webinar — 7/16: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair  Kissimmee, FL –-7/23: BINGO FOR BIRDS: Benefit for Rhode Island Parrot Rescue.at Sports Legends Pub 2121 Westshore Dr., Warwick, RI. 3-6 pm —Apopka/Orlando Bird Expo  –  Apopka, FL

LOST: blue & gold macaw “Misha”; Hanover, PA. 1 year old, has nerve damage to right foot. Is clipped and has never flown before. (717) 208 0028 and /(443) 413-2161 — LOST: Parakeet; blue/yellow. ‘Fluffy’. Fall River, MA. Reward offered. (508) 310-8012.– STOLEN: Chestnut-fronted macaw ‘Loca’ and blue and gold macaw ‘Manú,’ Kendall, FL. See pic below. Reward offered. For details, ee https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/hope-theyre-in-good-hands-family-offers-5000-reward-for-safe-return-of-pet-parrots-stolen-from-kendall-home/3069908/?fbclid=IwAR3EAsGNjSNqc-ujiNWBH9CLURqodPSNAWK0vhAPoqhDmjQxQ2WvKhy9feU

..

From the parrot’s beak: July 9

What do you do when there are “No Pet Birds Allowed”? Bird owners offer some helpful suggestions (and some we’ll have to pass on endorsing) in the July ’23 “Pet Gazette” feature story by George Sommers See duxburypetgaze

BABBLE ON: Baby parrots babble like baby humans. Both are learning to communicate. The behavior has been seen in songbirds and two mammal species but parrots may provide the best nonhuman model for beginning to learn language. The team investigated a population of green-rumped parrotlets at Venezuela’s Hato Masaguaral research center, which hosts over 100 nesting boxes. Parrots, songbirds, humans and a few other mammals are vocal learners. They listen and mimic. The chicks in the study started to babble at 21 days, according to camcorders. They increased the complexity of sounds dramatically over the next week, the scientists reported in the “Proceedings of the Royal Society B”. The baby birds uttered soft peeps, clicks and grrs, but they weren’t communicating with siblings or parents, says lead author Rory Eggleston, a Ph.D. student at Utah State University. Rather, they made the sounds alone mostly when their siblings were asleep, often without even opening their beaks, says Eggleston, who analyzed videos of the birds. Spectrographs revealed 27 distinct calls including begging, alarm, contact, warbling, and others the chicks heard from their parents and other parrotlets outside, says co-author Karl Berg, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. “It was quite a surprise: The nestlings know the full repertory of adult vocalizations,” he adds. All these “calls will be necessary for the bird’s survival as soon as it fledges,” Berg says. It’s remarkable that humans and parrots—species separated by 600 million years of evolution—have so much in common, Eggleston says. “It’s a fascinating case of convergent evolution.” – For more, including video https://www.science.org/content/article/wild-parrot-chicks-babble-human-infants?utm_medium=ownedSocial&utm_campaign=NewsfromScie

IT’S ALIVE!: The COVID pandemic put the kibosh on many traditional annual bird fairs. It also put a lot of vendors either out of business or mail order only – and vendors are the life blood of most expos. ‘ In ’22, the once mighty Long Island Parrot Society Expo bowed out as they received a paltry three responses from interested vendors. And the bird flu which was going around at the time and rising costs of venues didn’t help. But this year the show will go on. On 10/14/23 LIPS will present “The area’s only major exotic bird event” on 10/14  featuring avian enrichment presentations by Robin Shewokis-Sullivan along with an interactive education center, veterinarian, grooming, raffle, bird sitter referrals, wheel o’ prizes, and; of course, live parrots. And as lack of vendors is apparently not an issue this year, lots of parrot swag to buy.

SCORE ONE FOR CONSERVATION: A batch of babies were released int o the wild by The Macaw Society after being banded . by Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center- zoave . This shows that birds kept in captivity can be successfully released and contribute to future generations and conservation of the species. #nestboxes#parrots#criticallyendangered#rescatewildlifecenter#themacawsociety – Thanks to Angela for this tip.

PARAKEET TREAT: Those walkthrough aviaries where visitors can interact with and feed multicolored, free flying budgies are multiplying at various zoos. Get the lowdown and see a slide show of one such exhibit at Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo‘s Aussie Aviary here https://ow.ly/9o3v50OYtsC And no worries, mate; saltwater crocs and Tazzy devils are not included. — Also getting in on the act is White Post Animal Farm of Melville, NY; which now features Bird Landing; a parakeet aviary, and Poppie’s Lorikeet Landing.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM: Outscream your parrot, for a change, for ice cream at this week’s Ice Cream Social bash thrown by Birds Of A Feather in New Hampshire. See HOT DATES for info.

MEETING ADJOURNED… IT IS?… NO, YOU SAY THAT, GOVERNOR: South Bay Bird Society will not meet in July. On August 7, the meeting will focus on what makes your bird happy. – The club is looking for volunteers to assist their very busy board of directors. – SBBS continues with hybrid ZOOM/in person meetings. They are reaching out for new members by listing meetings and club activities in Meet Up, and encourage members to spread the word through social media.

SMUGGLER’S BLUES: Make that yellows. U.S border officials found 13 yellow-headed parrots stuffed in duffel bags in a vehicle in an attempted crossing into the US. on June 16 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. Officials said a 26-year-old male driving a 2010 sedan and applying for entry into the U.S. hid the live birds in two duffel bags in the trunk. The driver was detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigators and Fish and Wildlife Services for further processing. The parrots were placed in a “secure and safe” area by CBP agriculture specialists. Officials said they would remain under quarantine by US Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services to make sure no avian diseases were affecting the birds. – From https://www.fox9.com/news/13-yellow-headed-parrots-hidden-duffel-bags-us-border?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=IwAR1y5Sdw_BquHIhePauNlNsrVF0P9HGG_352zY2HV1c1JxRwnqjnj1-ElpI

SUMMER RERUNS: View YouTube Videos of Previous ZOOMS from The Connecticut Parrot Club:  How to Recover a Lost Parrot, Debbie Goodrich  Target Training, Sheila Blanchett  The When and Why of Necropsy, Dr. Kristin Sinclair  Avian Flu, Dr. Kristin Sinclair, YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/OfCsI4g35cs (Over 1,000 views)!  Tablets Communication and Play for Parrots, Jennifer Cunha  Through the Eyes of a Parrot, Dr. Graham Martin

HELP HOMELESS ANIMALS: “Pet Gazette” donates FREE promotional space to shelters with animals up for adoption. You can help this mission and promote your pet related business by advertising in the online “Pet Gazette”. Reach countless animal enthusiasts nationwide plus get a bonus FREE ad in the print edition distributed in Massachusetts. http://duxburypetgazette.ma.newsmemory.com/ Contact ads@petgazette.net and tell ‘em George sent you!

VOLUNTEERS PLEASE STEP FORWARD: Join The Macaw Society volunteer program in Costa Rica! As a field assistant, you’ll work with an amazing team to protect endangered species through conservation science work and engage in cutting-edge conservation science. No specific qualifications are required – all applicants welcome, from biology and environmental science backgrounds to other areas of expertise. Wanted are responsible, enthusiastic, self-disciplined, and patient individuals who are comfortable working outdoors and around wildlife. Apply now: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/themacawsociety/volunteer/ #macaws#endangeredspecies#FieldAssistant#conservationvolunteers #volunteerr#themacawsociety

SCHOOL DAYS: Do you wish Natural Encounters, Inc. workshops could come to you?! They might not be able to bring the whole ranch but they can visit you, virtually. Join the Parrot Behavior and Training Online Course starting next month by registering today. This 4 week course takes place over Zoom and includes course content on the science of behavior change, free flight, and tools for interpreting and making positive change with unwanted behaviors and much more. This course is designed for those working in close proximity with any parrot species, whether as companion animals in the home or as educational ambassadors. To find out all the details go to their FB page or website.

FEEDBACK: Foster Parrots came under some criticism primarily for its anti-parrots as pets stance as reported in recent issues of “beak”. But some rose to the defense of the Rhode Island Sanctuary, including Monica Armstrong, former FP sanctuary director who writes, “It’s been hard to put up with the negativity. Mean comments about everything we do and especially the comments after we had the tragic fire. I want to blast them all, but try not to waste my time with small minded people who I can only assume are jealous of our work, and some are probably pro breeding. I’ll put my energy into helping more birds. None of us want animals or birds in cages, but they’re here and it’s humans’ responsibility to care for them, to stop breeding and poaching too.” — Gloria Fantin, Administrator of Keiko the Self Mutilating Cockatoo FB page, says, “I am a supporter of Foster Parrots. My belief is no birds should be kept as pets nor any wild critter.. Those that criticize what do they do to address the unwanted captive bred birds? If there was no $$ in the bird breeding/capturing would it be such big business? They take in birds others would turn away … they are working alongside the oasis on this latest saving mission.” EDITOR’S NOTE: Both sides have now been represented.

HOT DATES: CURRENT–8/14: My Beautiful Pet Bird Contest  entry deadline August 14– 7/8:  Southeast Exotic Bird Fair Plant City, FL — Rolling Meadows Bird Fair & Sale  Rolling Meadows, IL — PET PARROT GATHERING: Contests, talks by experts, free flying expert. Your pet parrots welcome to attend. 10-3. The Prestwood Centre, Stafford County Showground, Weston Rd., Stafford, UK –. 7/9: OHPA Bird Fair Monroeville, PA — — 7/10 ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Join New Hampshire’s Birds Of A Feather for an in person meeting at 7:30 pm for their annual Ice Cream Social. BOAF provides all the fixings for you to create your own ice cream sundaes. That translates to FREE. Guests and family members are welcome — still free. The meeting will be in the NH State Grange Building, 10 Riverside Street, Hooksett, NH. — 7/11: WHERE IN THE WORLD AND OTHER PARROT FACTS: This fun and interactive program with Amy Hopkins, President of The Parrot Club will test your knowledge about parrots.  Do you think you’re a parrot expert?  Come and find out!  Here’s your chance to learn more.  Audience participation is key, so come prepared – screaming birds optional! Join The Parrot Club on at 7 p.m. ET. Contact info@theparrotclub.org for a Zoom link. — 7/12: WEST LOST ANGELES BIRD CLUB MEETING: 7 :00 PM Culver City American Legion Hall 5209 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA–7/14-18: AVMA Convention 2023  Denver, CO  $345  for veterinary professionals — 7/14: Avian Vet Insider – Enrichment & Building Trust Through “Trick” Training with Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)  3 PM EDT  Lafeber Zoom webinar — 7/16: Southeast Exotic Bird Fair  Kissimmee, FL

LOST: Alexandrine parrot; Port Charlotte FL (804) 842-0137.

.