#birbir

[thomas--bombadil]

A sparrow, looking none too pleased about the weather...

[thatalfredpennyworth]

Why People Discard Parrots

This is something very personal to me as someone who has owned birds and worked with them since I was a kid. Nothing irks me more than unfair stereotypes. I don't have any issue with people being afraid of parrots, they are big and make a BIG entrance so it's understandable. I do however have a problem with people who unfairly stereotype parrots as loud, out of control, wild, crazy...you've probably heard the list. The saddest part, these labels often come from confused so called "animal rights activists" who would rather see the population of parrots in captivity die off than be loved and nurtured by someone who understands birds. Calling all parrots wild hazards is as unfair as calling pitbulls killers. There are ethical ways to keep parrots in captivity that don't involve cages and neglect. The first bird I ever formed a relationship with was a species that is known to be stereotyped as violent. His name was Delta, he was a blue fronted amazon in his 20's and he had quite a strong beak. He belonged to my grandfather whom is still one of the worst people I know. How this bird didn't develop aggression issues I'll never know but I was the only person who wasn't afraid of Delta and was willing to pick him up by hand out of his cage...and keep in mind I was four at the time. I'll be honest, my grandfather was abusive and one day, he threw me in his garage and slapped me after I refused to finish my entire waffle. He grew up in a military home so he was always told to ration and finish his plate. He had also tossed the bird in the garage as well and locked me in there for two hours. The bird waddled to me side and climbed onto my shoulder and leaned in for a hug. Anyone else would have backed away because they'd assume he'd be bluffing and planning to strike but I hugged back and that was when I decided birds really do have the capacity for compassion towards people. Delta was unfortunately re-homed due to my grandfather's time constraints, something that all too sadly, often happens to large parrots when owners don't know what they are getting into. Even now as I type this, I know Delta is still alive and hopefully, he found a forever home. The main reason so many parrots are discarded is not because they are terrible pets, but because most people are terrible owners. People see the cute videos and think that parrots are these cute talking sky dogs and they purchase one only to find out that isn't the case at all. Parrots are two generations removed from their wild ancestors and thus, they are going to act like they would in their own wild colonies. This is not to say that parrot ownership is something I'm against, that's what the animal activists want, what I'm trying to say is it takes a special kind of person to own a parrot. In the right hands, parrots are compassionate, fun, intuitive, inquisitive and even sassy, but most people are not equipped to handle owning an animal that needs 98% of your daily attention. Some birds are more picky than others. Here's the thing though, don't ever say a dog is less dangerous than a parrot simply because they are domesticated. A parrot bite does hurt, all people who handle birds will make a mistake and agitate their bird at some point, but a parrot's beak won't kill you. Parrots are smart enough to know how hard to press and most bites are warnings rather than true threats. Even if a bird tried to kill you, which they WON'T do, the worst they could do is leave you with some stitches on your arm. A dog that is large enough could actually kill you and some have indeed killed people. Animals are unpredictable domesticated or not, that's just a fact. I have been around birds long enough to know how compassionate they really are when we actually respect them. Luigi, a yellow naped amazon, is famous for his compassion for disabled children. It really takes a special kind of a person to own a parrot and most people are not that sub population. Birds only become difficult when they are not given their needs. Birds need to fly, they need to interact, they need to roam, they need to be like the element of air itself. As a bird trainer, I know what birds want from us. The more owners and trainers listen, the less birds will succumb to problem behaviors. Parrots don't have to be such a discarded pet, people just need to be better owners. This is something I had to vent because documentaries like Parrot Confidential are EXTREMELY one sided and biased. I love working with birds and it really does piss me off when people unfairly label them as bad pets when it is really them that are the bad owners. Stop clipping wings, free flight train them, let them explore, and trust me, your bird will be a much loved member of your family. 

Caique: Tinkerbell Galah: Ziva Blue Throated Macaw: DiNozzo Human: ME!

[thomas--bombadil]

(Oops, I posted this one accidentally).  

Its a nice Blue Jay, shyly inspecting me, as I pass through the woods.  

[thomas--bombadil]

A Ring-Billed gull stops for a portrait.  

[thomas--bombadil]

A House finch, slinks shyly through the forest, very early in the morning.  

His bright-red feathers on display, ready for the mating season.  

[thomas--bombadil]

A bluebird, soft and pure.

[thomas--bombadil]

New Life #5: Ameraucana Chicks

Hopefully, these are Ameraucana chicks. 

They are somewhat rare and often falsely advertised as Ameraucanas when they are really Easter-Eggers or something similar.  

They should give a striking blue egg, and should be winter-hearty and inquisitive. However, they not are particularly interested in human companionship, unlike other breeds which are friendlier. 

[thomas--bombadil]

Portrait of a Cinnamon Queen hen.