Empty Nest aka Empty Aviary

The baby canary wings left today to be released. It was with mixed feelings that frank and I netted them and out them in to a carry cage. They spent last night in the cage and were picked up this morning by a volunteer of Valley Wildlife Care. We will worry about their safety and well being, but know that they are free to soar in the trees of West Hollywood. It was our absolute privilege to care for them and watch them develop. Hope they don't miss their steamed sweet potatoes too much!
Thank you Brenda(of Valley Wildlife Care) for allowing us to participate in their care.

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO

I have preached the joys of fostering to so many people over the years. I am always telling new recruits how being a foster parent can give so many parrots a new chance on a full and happy life. I sincerely believe this is true. I am always asked how it is possible to let them go after caring for them and helping them trust again. It is possible to do I say, but it is sometimes very very painful.

Doc is one of those special cases. Doc has been with Parrots First for almost two years now. He came to us so disturbed that he did not exit his cage for at least six months. He befriended my son, my son's girlfriend and then my husband. It was well in to our first full year with Doc before he stopped running every time he saw me. I was the last family member that Doc let in to his life.

In this past year Doc started to seek out every visitor to our home. He dances and asks to be scratched and petted. I am now able to put Doc to bed and get an unsolicited kiss goodnight.

Today Doc's life changes. Doc has been getting to know a woman with a female goffins that wishes to adopt Doc and today he left for his new home.

I will miss him terribly! I never thought I would be given the privilege of petting him or kissing him. I am thankful that he gave me those gifts. I love him and wish him well.

Friends have asked why I don't keep Doc in my home. My answer is that I love him enough to let him have a life where he will get more of the attention that he deserves with a person young enough to see him through his life.

Doc, I will miss you! You are always welcome back if it does not work out, but I sure hope it does.

New Kids on The Block

Meet the newest residents at Parrots First. 9 Canary Winged Parakeet babies. These babies fell from trees in different locations and were hand fed by Valley Wildlife Care Center volunteers. Now they are flying in an aviary to get ready to hopefully join their flocks.

They are soooo cute!

First Annual Parrot Festival at Pets Of Wilshire

Parrots First had a very busy weekend.

We were asked to participate in the first annual Parrot Festival at Pets of Wilshire in Santa Monica.

Parrots First was pleased to accept after speaking with owner Karin. Pets of Wilshire would no longer be selling parrots in the store. Instead, adoptions would be encouraged. This is a concept that is working well for dogs and cats in stores, and maybe catching on for parrots as well.

Parrots First applauds Karin's decision.

Salsa and I were pleasantly surprised at the huge selection of great parrot toys and food. There are toys for every type and size of parrot and many great foraging type.

The staff was both knowledgeable and cordial.

Check out Pets of Wilshire and give Karin the thumbs up for her love of parrots and their welfare.

GRACIE AND GEORGE LEAVE PARROTS FIRST

Gracie and George are two special needs Amazons. They came to Parrots First about 6 weeks ago after being confiscated from an alleged animal harder. They are the sweetest pair! We feared that they may not find the perfect forever home for a while, as not everyone is able to deal with their special needs. Both are missing toes and have toes that are deformed making it challenging to get around and to step up. Don't tell them they have a disability, as it does not stop them from coming out and exploring their surroundings.

Today Gracie and George went to live with Alice who fell madly in love with them the first time that she saw them.

Good luck you three and have a great life together!

Baby and Costa made a great couple. Baby ,the blue and gold in the picture, passed away on September 15, 2008. Baby was a favorite model of parrot photographer Bonnie Jay. Baby was often featured on Bird Talk magazine covers. If you subscribe to Bird Talk you can see one of her covers that is part of a tribute to Baby and her beauty. Costa and I miss Baby greatly.

Princess is the Tucuman Amazon on the left. Princess came to us as did 30 other birds from Ventura Animal Control. The birds, along with 75 others, had been abandoned when a back yard breeder lost his property. Parrots First took possession of the 30 birds on December 26, 2008.

Princess had been too afraid to come anywhere near the bars of her cage when a human was present. She often cried softly in the night. My heart has gone out to her in particular. We are making progress and she no longer backs away. Her mate, Mr. Gomberg, is less afraid but a bit less eager to accept me.

Time and patience will tell.