#throwbackthursday Five years ago today, I said goodbye to Pumpkinhead G. Parrot (right), my soulmate and life partner for 23 years or half my life. His mate, Guyana Guff (left) preceded him in death by one year. Now science recognizes parrots as "feathered apes," with intelligence up there with dolphins, chimps, etc. I always knew that. Like Dr. Irene Pepperberg of Alex the grey fame, I taught Pummie and Guff the names of the colors. His favorite was red which she said the first time after six months of training while watching a beautiful sunset and holding the claw of his mate. When he wanted to go to sleep, he would say "Pat! (me) Stop color!" which meant lights out time. He was afraid or annoyed by crows whom he'd call "black birds" and yell at them. The chronicles of Pummie could fill volumes. He loved his bunny friends too. He'd look at their butts and say "awww!" and make kissy sounds. His intelligence knew no bounds. #bridgebirds #parrotsofinstagram #orangewingedamazon #amazonparrot #featheredapes #adoptdontshop #parrotsanctuary #canyouseemywilltobe #savetheamazonforest