Roanoke
Member
So a couple weeks ago I was on my laptop, fussing around, and I kept hearing these yells from outside. Being a bird fanatic (As I'm sure you all understand) I immediately recognized the call as being from a distressed macaw, and a fairly close one at that. I figured one of the neighbors had just acquired a bird so I set out to find out who it was and say hello.
To my surprise, the calls were closer than I thought, coming from upwards- a tree! Sure enough, there was a small red shape 50 feet up in the branches. A Greenwing or Scarlet macaw. It took my breath away.
Anyways, a white-haired lady started shouting from down the road as she hobbled over. It was, of course, the "Crazy Bird Lady" who lives very close to us. I often hear the distant macaw cries, so we knew she was there.
We talked for a minute about Bowie- apparently he's flighted and this happens quite often (to my dismay) and she shook her head, shouted at him some and went home. Bowie flew away a few minutes later.
After thinking about it for a couple weeks I decided to go and visit her and ask if she ever got him back (Obviously not just to ogle her birds!) so I did, and brought my mother for safety reasons.
So she showed us around and talked and talked and talked. It seemed like she not only didn't have friends but we were the only people in forever to be interested in her parrots. As far as I can tell she's alone all day. Her husband is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, her daughter doesn't like her and her son died when he was my age. She's been through a lot and loves her animals but she really appreciated our company and hugged us once or twice. There is a problem, though- being almost 70 and living alone with 7 parrots and a billion dogs does present its difficulties. Her house is a disaster zone. Same goes for her driveway/yard. The kitchen is unlivable! Her birdcages are dusty and contain few perches and no toys (Except for her favorite, the U2)
The dogs need bathing and this kind woman doesn't have the time or ability. I told her with the amount of free time I have, I can come over anytime and help clean up her house, take care of the animals etc. She thought it was a great idea and offered to pay me. I wouldn't take her money though- she needs it more than I do.
What do you guys think? I've been itching for another bird lately anyways so hanging out at her place would stave off that craving. I really feel for this lady and want to help her as much as possible, but how do I do that without being clingy or forcing it upon her? She doesn't seem like the type to accept charity. We'll see how it goes. How long should I wait before asking to come over again?
Also, although her birds appeared healthy there's always the risk of transmitting disease between them and my Teeko. A change of clothes would be my solution but I figured I'd ask the pros.
I'll give you all pictures next time I visit her (I'll be bringing a spare, sterilized pedi-perch for her fids as a gift) and I'll tell the stories of all the birds. They're all rescues and oh so precious.
If any of you lovelies would give me advice or answer my questions that'd be great, I'd also love your overall thoughts on the situation!
On another note, hey! I'm back! :09:
To my surprise, the calls were closer than I thought, coming from upwards- a tree! Sure enough, there was a small red shape 50 feet up in the branches. A Greenwing or Scarlet macaw. It took my breath away.
Anyways, a white-haired lady started shouting from down the road as she hobbled over. It was, of course, the "Crazy Bird Lady" who lives very close to us. I often hear the distant macaw cries, so we knew she was there.
We talked for a minute about Bowie- apparently he's flighted and this happens quite often (to my dismay) and she shook her head, shouted at him some and went home. Bowie flew away a few minutes later.
After thinking about it for a couple weeks I decided to go and visit her and ask if she ever got him back (Obviously not just to ogle her birds!) so I did, and brought my mother for safety reasons.
So she showed us around and talked and talked and talked. It seemed like she not only didn't have friends but we were the only people in forever to be interested in her parrots. As far as I can tell she's alone all day. Her husband is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, her daughter doesn't like her and her son died when he was my age. She's been through a lot and loves her animals but she really appreciated our company and hugged us once or twice. There is a problem, though- being almost 70 and living alone with 7 parrots and a billion dogs does present its difficulties. Her house is a disaster zone. Same goes for her driveway/yard. The kitchen is unlivable! Her birdcages are dusty and contain few perches and no toys (Except for her favorite, the U2)
The dogs need bathing and this kind woman doesn't have the time or ability. I told her with the amount of free time I have, I can come over anytime and help clean up her house, take care of the animals etc. She thought it was a great idea and offered to pay me. I wouldn't take her money though- she needs it more than I do.
What do you guys think? I've been itching for another bird lately anyways so hanging out at her place would stave off that craving. I really feel for this lady and want to help her as much as possible, but how do I do that without being clingy or forcing it upon her? She doesn't seem like the type to accept charity. We'll see how it goes. How long should I wait before asking to come over again?
Also, although her birds appeared healthy there's always the risk of transmitting disease between them and my Teeko. A change of clothes would be my solution but I figured I'd ask the pros.
I'll give you all pictures next time I visit her (I'll be bringing a spare, sterilized pedi-perch for her fids as a gift) and I'll tell the stories of all the birds. They're all rescues and oh so precious.
If any of you lovelies would give me advice or answer my questions that'd be great, I'd also love your overall thoughts on the situation!
On another note, hey! I'm back! :09:
(yes I know you're not 5) but do it convincingly and make sure you are engrossed . . Position yourself in view of the Parrot you wish to establish contact with, leave their cage open and do NOT make eye contact - just concentrate on the spaceship.
