Endangered Species Day

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Michelle M.

Sadly, many species of birds are endangered. Too many to feature on today’s post, so Cooper decided to pick one to spotlight: the kākāpō.The kākāpō lives in New Zealand and is the world’s only flightless parrot. Cooper thinks it looks like a cross between a budgie and a muppet.

The kākāpō is nocturnal, long living (58 – 90 years) and is very friendly. They are said to have a pleasant, musty scent (though not as pleasant as a budgie, I’ll bet). The bird was almost wiped out by colonization and through the introduction of predators to its habitat.

There are fewer than 150 kākāpō today. The Kākāpō Recovery Program is comprised of scientists, rangers and volunteers who look after the remaining birds and help them to survive and thrive.

Find out more about the fascinating kākāpō and the Kākāpō Recovery Program here. You can view the chicks (if you happen to be in the area), donate or even adopt (sponsor) one of the birds. Cooper hopes these gentle, friendly birds will make a comeback and one day be off the endangered species list.

Brunch with the Birds

Posted on May 7, 2016 by Michelle M.

Today we went to Free Flight and had Brunch with the Birds.

We fell in love with Duchess. She’s new to the sanctuary. Here she is asking for scritches.Duchess showing off.We also fell in love with Brady. He’s new, too. And is very pinny.Here’s Baby Bird. He is sponsored by Jan, and is quite the little character.Everyone wants to step up. Here’s our friend Timmy.And another Eclectus, Cooper. What a great name!Peanut is a darling. I wish I knew how to knit – I’d make her a little sweater.This little cockatoo is sitting pretty.If you would like to read more about the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary, you can do so at their website or on facebook.

Farewell, little one.

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Michelle M.

There is sad news in the budgie world. Nubs, the little one-footed budgie, has passed away. Nubs, who overcame a sad beginning, was adopted and went on to help found The House of Nubs organization. With his human and animal friends, he worked hard to teach children who have been through trauma, hope and resilience. He also campaigned for animal adoption. Nubs has encouraged and inspired many and will be much missed. His legacy lives on though The House of Nubs. You can learn more about the organization here or on facebook.

A Happy Ending

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Michelle M.

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. Here’s a little feel good story from the Irish Times (1956) to get you in the mood.

Taco Tuesday

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Michelle M.

This is Bird.When Robert Detrick went to Taco Bell, little did he know that he’d be going home with a budgie. While waiting at the drive-thru, a parakeet landed on the roof of his van. Detrick called to the bird and it climbed down his arm into his vehicle.

He walked into his house with the bird on his shoulder and gave it some water and bird seed from his feeder. He is holding onto the budgie, named “Bird” while he looks for it’s owner.

“God may have said, ‘You need a parakeet,’” Detrick said. “I think the bird wanted me to take him home, or help him find a home.”

You can see more here.

Cooper’s Talent Show

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Michelle M.

Kino (a greencheek conure) shows off some neat tricks.

The Budgie Who Came in from the Cold

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Michelle M.

Photo: 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.

Photo: CBC

Click here for the full story, including video.

Photo: 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.

Free Flight Holiday

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Michelle M.

Yesterday we visited the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary to visit the birds and do a little holiday shopping. We decided on these drinking glasses, that are also available on CafePress.

The birds also have a “Dear Santa list” for toys or donations.

Aussie, Harley and Dusty (or maybe it’s Aussie, Dusty and Harley…)Aruba and Kiwi – These two are little cuddlebunnies.Ozzie shows us how to floof.Baby Bird – such a cute little clown.Peanut is a sweetheart. In a perfect world, all birds would fly free.Abby says, “Happy Holidays!”