Volunteering at the local shelter - and pics!

Wasn't sure where to post this, as it's mostly just photos. I've been volunteering lately at the local parrot shelter in the chicago area. It's been great spending time with the birds and helping them out. I call it a "happy place", as I love seeing the birds fly around, and interacting with them. Even though some had rough pasts, they are a delight to be around. It's also wonderful to see the ones from abusive pasts start to "turn" around and give humans a second chance.

Very nice Lucky you

Thank you for sharing.

Ok - I can't help it but I just keep laughing at the neked Macaw.

Beautiful photos. Thanks for showing them to us!
Also, nice work at the shelter! I wish there was one in my area.

It's funny you mention that, because their refuge also turned out to be my refuge when I was volunteering down at the local parrot rescue...

What a wonderful way to pay the love forward! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for volunteering!
Now gimme that sassy naked B&G!!

I am also in love with that plucked macaw...what a sweetheart! I am so glad you are doing this, both for you and for them

It's a great way to spend a FRIGID day, that's for sure! Walked outside to a -25 degree windchill! Winter is in full force!

The naked B&G is a riot! He is so full of personality! He came over and started striking those poses as soon as he saw the camera. LOL - no shame for him! Loved it! His name is "Rambo."

The full feathered B&G runs the place. Her name is "Jellybean", and she is the boss. The other two B&G's are "Kiwi" and "Wally." They make so a very interesting dynamic. Almost high-school like. lol! I laughed when one of the Amazons flew over and tried to pearch by, I *think* Wally. He lunged at the 'zon and the 'zon flew off. Immediately after, Wally laughed. It was so funny, I wish I had it on tape.

Most of the Amazons are in their 30's or older. The DYH pictured is a newcomer. His owner passed away after 30 years. You can kinda tell he is rather sad, and not sure what's going on. So every there has been giving him some space, handing him some treats, but not pushing him.

The Cockatoo is named "Harley." He is another one who recently lost his owner. He is also having some issues coming to grips with that. He's been here for about a month now, and is coming around. I was able to handle him, as well as some of the other volunteers. He is pretty picky with who he lets handle him, and has hurt a few people. So I'm pretty cautious around him. However, he is another fun bird, when he is being nice. LOVES to dance. Watching a cockatoo hop across the floor NEVER gets old. They are just crazy! (but in a good way!)

There's plenty of cockatiels, budgies, lovebirds, conures, and even a few senegals. So it's never a dull moment.

Great Pictures and great job you are doing. Much Respect .
Plucking birds just break my heart. I would be hugging him all day. Its the one area I have not read much about.

Beautiful birds and it must be rewarding helping all these birds out, you are doing a great service!!

Thank you for sharing these wonderful characters with us and thank you so much for volunteering.

Wow, how wonderful! Which one are you volunteering at - Villa Park or Naperville? I was trying to become a volunteer at the Naperville one, but it didn't work out because of transportation. But we are trying to work it out with my hubby.

Oh, and BTW, you are very gifted photographer - I enjoyed looking through these pictures several times!

Well, there is a soft spot in my heart for the red lored amazons... (obviously!) sweet sensitive souls... and that one is certainly beautiful.

veimar said:

Wow, how wonderful! Which one are you volunteering at - Villa Park or Naperville? I was trying to become a volunteer at the Naperville one, but it didn't work out because of transportation. But we are trying to work it out with my hubby.

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This is the one in Villa Park. It's only about 11 miles form where I am.

Birdman666 said:

Well, there is a soft spot in my heart for the red lored amazons... (obviously!) sweet sensitive souls... and that one is certainly beautiful.

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Yes, they are! I've never actually seen one before until volunteering here. Such delightful little birds!

95talongirl said:

veimar said:

Wow, how wonderful! Which one are you volunteering at - Villa Park or Naperville? I was trying to become a volunteer at the Naperville one, but it didn't work out because of transportation. But we are trying to work it out with my hubby.

Click to expand...

This is the one in Villa Park. It's only about 11 miles form where I am.

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Lucky you! It's 1,5 hour drive from me and the Naperville one is 45 min! We live in the far north suburbs...
Keep us posted - I love your pictures!!