The Budgie Who Came in from the Cold

alentinoandShelleyCorvinoPhoto: Valentino and Shelly Corvino

The story of this little green budgie has a happy ending. The budgie was spotted in a yard back in November. He had joined a flock of sparrows, which most likely helped him to survive the cold weather. Attempts to capture him failed. But in December, he was seen in another yard. The local parrot rescue group was called and a cage was set up to lure the little fellow to safety. Shelley and Val Corvino (who spotted and captured the bird) named him MacGyver, after the trap they rigged to rescue him.

cbcPhoto: CBC

Click here for the full story, including video.

johnwoodswinnipegfreepressPhoto: John Woods/Winnipeg Free Press

Since the story broke, 15 people have come forward to claim MacGyver. More here. So if the unthinkable happens and your beloved pet flies the coop, it’s important to keep searching and never give up hope. Take it from MacGyver, and from Sido, Alfie and Ozzie (who were all found outdoors before we adopted them).

Thank you to Tam for sharing this story.

National Bird Day

35HappyBudgies05Photo: Listening Earth

Although I have a flock of 9 –  I do believe that birds should not be pets. They were meant to fly free, be part of a flock, choose their mates and raise their young. I hope some day, breeders and pet stores will stop selling these beautiful creatures. Until that day, we now only adopt (Cooper is our only pet store budgie). Cooper and the flock hope that if you are considering adding a bird to your family, you check with you local humane shelter, rescue or even Craigslist. There are many unwanted birds out there who need a loving home.