Is there a parrot bereavement group?

[Biwibird]

My beloved parrot Biwi is gone. I had him 26 years. It has been since Thursday at 12:30 PM that he got startled and jumped off my hand while we were hiking. His wings were clipped and instead of watching exactly where he landed, I saw the direction he was going and started running down the ridge. I live in Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. When I got to where he should have been he was not there so I spent the next 5 1/2 hours frantically searching until I could barely walk or talk. I came home in a complete state of shock. Biwi was my life, my reason for living. I slept with him; he went everywhere they would allow a parrot and even if they did not, he was so special they made exceptions for him. Now, in hindsight, I wish I could do so many things differently. I will add to this, but it's so painful.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I'm so sorry! Tell us about Biwi and post some pictures of him. We have a lot of members who are grieving the passing of their birds, some after a very long time with them. There's a bereavement tab under the drop down menu. There are a lot of recent posts from grieving members.
I hope you can find some support and comfort here on Parrot Forums. We're not like other groups- we're a pretty tight knit group of extraordinary caring individuals.

 

[LaManuka54]

My beloved parrot Biwi is gone. I had him 26 years. I need a parrot bereavement group.

@Biwibird, the bereavement group you seek is right here in this community, I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a bird is very hard, most of us in this group have been there and we understand just how hard it is, including me. You are welcome to share any pics or treasured memories of Biwi here that you wish, and please accept my most sincere condolences, your little sweetheart will carry your love with him into eternity.

 

[SailBoat]

Passing of a Feathered Friend
Provided By: Steven (SailBoat), November 2016

“All of us feel such deep sadness when our Parrot friends die, and because they are Animals and not Humans, we are at a loss for words. Often, it is only other Parrot owners who can understand the depth of the loss that we feel with this complex, loyal, and loving creature. Resulting from such a loss, I have placed feelings and emotions into words and found verse to console the loss of my Cleo and since her, other sweet Amazons, in turn; I hope it will speak for all of you.” - Steven

You left this world so quickly. I can hardly comprehend your leaving. Yet there, in my hands, your still body rested — no longer your home. So much I have learned, so much you have taught, your purpose a full measure beyond your size. Comprehensions of your loss still a mist but yet, I know you are whole and happy - now beyond Rainbow Bridge. And so busy you must be upon your green wings, guiding angels to those of us yet to cross. With in my ear, I still hear you, those special sweet sounds of comfort and contentment:

“Do not stand by my grave and weep my friend.
I am not here. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the gentle summer rain.
When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry my friend.
I am not there. I did not die.”

My pray for you my beloved feathered friend:

“May your body nourish this earth.
May your soul find release and contentment.
May you fly high and free upon wings of spirit.
Rest in peace little green one.”

The love and tender warmth of you is a un-full-fill-able void.
I do so much thank-you for creating a space for another, a special place next to yours’.

In remembrance of Cleo, (Estimated) Spring 1959 - May 2003

Amazon’s Have More Love!

Sources: Cheyenne Warrior Blessing, The Amazona Society’s Forum, Steven (SailBoat)

Last edited: Nov 17, 2016

Dear Biwibird
May this writing find a comfort for your heart. The special relationship with a Parrot is sadly not understood by those that never experienced such a loving companion. Know that this group does and many of us have experienced your heartbreak.

Steven (SailBoat)

There are three dear Amazons who live-on with us, even thou they have moved-on!
They are missed everyday!
You are not alone!

 

[Vampiric_Conure49]

Ouch! You have my condolences. I can only imagine how awful you feel!

 

[kme3388]

I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you.

I have a few hiker friends. Both of my friends who hike are bird watchers and would know an Ekkie doesn’t belong in a AZ desert. 2 vets I bring my parrots to hike regularly, and would know an Ekkie is out of place in a desert. Just make sure to check shelters, rescues, lost pet places on Facebook, and such just encase he appears, and post about Biwi, and where you lost him (just encase someone found him). Some parrots do get found, and in this large world it’s harder to find an owner than one would expect. I’m not sure how far in the desert you were, if you were on a trail that’s hiked often, or if it was a secluded area. Parrots who aren’t flighted don’t have the wing strength to fly very far away in a short time frame. They can glide and such but they aren’t going to be 20 miles away in hours if you get what I’m saying. I’m not saying Biwi was found to give you unnecessary hope, but posting on lost pet websites if he was found can reunite you 2.

There are so many people who have lost parrots on here for a variety of reasons. You are among people who understand your situation.

 

[LaManuka54]

My beloved parrot Biwi is gone. I had him 26 years. It has been since Thursday at 12:30 PM that he got startled and jumped off my hand while we were hiking. His wings were clipped and instead of watching exactly where he landed, I saw the direction he was going and started running down the ridge. I live in Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. When I got to where he should have been he was not there so I spent the next 5 1/2 hours frantically searching until I could barely walk or talk. I came home in a complete state of shock. Biwi was my life, my reason for living. I slept with him; he went everywhere they would allow a parrot and even if they did not, he was so special they made exceptions for him. Now, in hindsight, I wish I could do so many things differently. I will add to this, but it's so painful.

If you haven't already done so, it's worth listing Biwi on www.parrotalert.com, and check listings for "Found" birds there as well. Some members here have been reunited with their birds via their service, sometimes weeks or even months later. He may have found his way into someone else's home, either close by or even many miles away. It's worth a try

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Try to believe that Biwi is safe because someone found him and simply doesn't know how to find his owner or wants to keep him. Many people who find birds just keep them without making that effort.
I have a budgie that someone found and no one came forward to claim her so I agreed to take her. This doesn't lessen your loss but the belief that Biwi is safe is better than the alternative.

 

[kme3388]

When I was visiting AZ parrots are found a lot by the sounds of it. The climate won’t kill them as it’s not freezing cold like the northern states. I’m in Minnesota you don’t want a parrot escaping in January. They will not survive our harsh winter weather. I’ve never seen so many Cooper’s hawks in my life here as I have in the past year. Bald eagles on the Mississippi River are all over the place. In winter it’s fun to watch them stand on ice, and fish. Minnesota is packed full of apex predator birds.

As long as the parrot stays in trees/cactuses in AZ it’s a possibility they can survive. There are love birds in AZ that aren’t native but decided to be invasive that hang out in cactuses. The locals really enjoy them. My parents, and grandparents look for them in AZ on their walks.

 

[Corkscr.ew3]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please share as many photos or stories as you want. I understand how painful it is and hope you can find peace eventually.

 

[Geslina]

Oh my gosh, how awful. Have you tried going back to where this happened? Calling? Maybe bringing his cage, or something he might recognize? I am not sure what the tips would be to find a lost parrot, but I would try. Also, list him on lost pet websites. Birds who are accustomed to humans might seek one out, we had both a parakeet and a cockatiel when I was a kid, both who just landed on us one day.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Sad stories like this one always make me want to cry and remind me of the biggest problem with having birds as companion animals is that they fly. I know is sounds smart-alecky but I don't mean it like that. Wouldn't birds be the perfect pet if we could just walk outdoors with them on our shoulders with no worries about them getting spooked, panicked, and flying off never to be seen again? Even with their wings trimmed often they can still fly enough to escape a predator when their instincts kick in. We need to constantly be on high alert about open doors and windows and operating ceiling fans. Our friends and family members don't always have the same level of caution that us parronts live with every day.
It undoubtedly fun to hike with your parrot or even just walk the neighborhood with your beloved parrot on your shoulder but without a harness a fun day can quickly turn into heartbreak. I can't imagine your grief.
I wish we could get together and form a search party to comb the area and find Biwi. My heart goes out to you.

 

[rheashard2]

My heart goes out to you. My first CAG I had for nearly 20 years died in electrical fire of smoke. I was devastated and depressed. I have his picture in a place of honor. I was so depressed that after several years my daughter got me another CAG. I still miss him. You have my deepest condolences.