Goodbye Gordie

perchOn Monday, October 27th we lost our little Gordie. That morning I was cleaning the cage when I heard a loud squawking. I turned around and saw Gordie on the bottom of the cage upside down and fluttering his wings. I picked him up and he died immediately in my hands. We think it was a seizure or heart attack.

Gordie was an older budgie. We never really knew how old he was. We were his third (possibly fourth) home. His last owner estimated him at five, but he could have been (and we suspect he was) much older.

When we first brought Gordie home, he just sat on his perch looking at himself in his mirror. He didn’t play with his toys, move around much or call out to the other budgies. He wasn’t finger tame (but would sit on our shoulders). His previous owner told us that the family who gave her Gordie thought he was “boring”.

Gordie became a different bird once his quarantine was up and he moved in with the flock. He bonded quickly with his lookalike Ozzie. We think Ozzie was “the bird in the mirror” finally coming out to play. With patience, Gordie started stepping up. He expressed interest in what the other budgies were doing, playing with toys and nibbling on veggies and millet. Gordie became interested in us as well. If we stood by the cage, he would make his way right up to the bars to see us. He was the only budgie who did this. I think he liked kissy noises and being told what a good budgie he was. And he was a such a good little budgie.

When Gordie’s flight feathers started coming in he began to make the voyage from the cage to the little play gym on top of the bookcase. He really enjoyed being up high and would happily sit on his “gym” chirping to himself or the other birds. It took a lot of effort for Gordie to fly about. It could have been his age or perhaps he never had the chance to fly before. One of his wings was a little crooked – maybe that made it more difficult to fly. In any case, sometimes I would give him a little ride on his play gym back to the cage. Gordie also “hobbled” when he walked up and down on the perches. He was a little slower than the other budgies, but did his best to keep up with his friends.

We were thrilled when Gordie bonded with Lera. They were an adorable pair, constantly grooming each other. When Lera was ill, Gordie was so sweet and attentive, feeding her and cuddling with her on the bottom of the cage. I think he was key factor in her amazing recovery.

Gordie loved to take baths. When he was finished he liked to sit on the rim of the bird bath and gaze out the window. One day he even plopped himself into my water glass. He had great fun climbing out and dunking back in. Gordie also liked his green perch (above). If he wasn’t by Lera’s side, that was his spot.

I think because Gordie was an older budgie, he had a special place in our hearts. We wanted so much to give him happiness in his golden years. He was a sweet little fellow and we were lucky to have been able to share the short amount of time with him that we did. Seeing him playing, flying and interacting with the other budgies brought us so much joy. I just wish we had been able to have more time with him.

We love you Gordie and miss you more than words can say.

26 thoughts on “Goodbye Gordie

  1. Oh Noooo – I am absolutely Heartbroken.
    Gordie was such a cute, handsome little man; a real Gold Star Budgie, if there ever was one. I loved reading your tribute to him – He was very dear. I am so thankful you rescued him, and gave him the greatest home a little budgie could ever have, including a best budgie buddy in Ozzie, and the lovely Lera.
    Please accept my deepest sympathy through my tears
    May little Gordie rest in peace

  2. Such sad news to hear, I am so sorry! Our little budgies are so fragile and yet they act so tough and fearless. I am snuggling close to Bert and Ernie tonight as I read this. So glad he had the best flock any budgie could wish for with you and yours! Thanks to you he was loved and will be remembered.

    • Thank you Karon. I think when you have a budgie you have to cherish every day with them. Bert and Ernie are lucky to have you <3.

  3. I’m so sorry to hear about your family and flock’s loss. You gave him such a sweet tribute. And he was definitely very loved and it’s great to hear how you gave him such a lovely home in his older age!

  4. Your post clearly shows that you and Harry were loving and attentive parents. Gordie was as lucky to have had the time with you as you were to have him.

  5. 🙁
    He was so very lucky to have you guys in his life.
    No matter how old he was, he deserved a forever home, and you did well in giving him just that.
    Gordie is waiting for you at the rainbow bridge, and he is watching over you.
    Always loved, never forgotten <3

  6. This post really touched my heart. You did give him the wonderful golden time that so few pet budgies get… the bird in the mirror coming out to play- that is so moving and poignant.

    Your post made me think about how much personality each of the birds show us, from their chosen companions, joy in cuddling with each other – favorite perches… and how each of the thousands of sparrows and robins and and cardinals and red-winged blackbirds etc., must have its own unique loves and favorites. : )

    • I agree – they all do have their own unique personalities and quirks.
      I would love to start a retirement home for older, unwanted budgies. If I ever win the lottery…

  7. oh no… this makes me so sad… Gordie was a sweet little guy. His story is so nice, being a lonely only and then have such a nice budgie family. Maybe going so quickly was a good thing, he was happy til the end.
    I’m going to give my budgies extra millet today in honor of Gordie.

  8. Ohhh no Gordie! 🙁 I just saw this, I’m so sorry <3 I wish I could say something that hasn't already been said… Gordie had the best home with you and the flock. He was a very lucky bird<3
    RIP Gordie

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