Rico's 1st time outside

[mamalovesrico]

Took Rico outside for the first time yesterday. It was probably around 65. He was scared to death for about 15 seconds. Then just a little scared but curious right after that. He was fascinated at the birds and squirrels. For the first time I can remember, I saw a hawk flying around about a block away. I pointed the hawk out to Rico and warned him that was the neighborhood bulley with a bad reputation and to scream if he ever sees him.
I've thought I would be so excited to take him out for the first time, but I was actually pretty nervous. My eyes were peeled on the sky and my hand over Rico the whole time.
Took him out again today. He enjoyed it. Showed him around the yard, got to see more birds and squirrels. Then he freaked. He saw a plane in the sky, one of the small ones, so it was pretty close and looked like a taryldactile (sp) to Rico I'm sure. So I stuck him under my shirt so he knew I was protecting him. When the plane passed I pulled him out from under my shirt when he punched me in the face He looked at me and said, "Don't you ever scare me like that again, I'd rather see the plane"!
lmao...had to throw that last part in to see if anyone was paying attention!

[birdyland]

Cute! Excellent. Rico will enjoy your yard lots once it warms up some more I'm sure. All kinds of things to explore and trouble to get into. Congrats! :-}

We have local Hawks too.... so someone is always within about 4 feet of the birds if they are outside.... just make sure to do a wing check before heading out the door as well!

The girls yell "HAWK, LALA! LALA! (my name) HAAWWWWWWK!" It was a good thing to teach them, and I always take them inside if the buggar is around; he did steal and eat my fish afterall (not to mention 2 turtles), so I know he's not against coming down onto my property. :eusa_wall Grrrrrrrr.

Niki used to yell HAWK at airplanes and she was terrified of them... we live near a small airport, so that sucked. One day we sat outside for hours. When a plane came by I'd talk to her sweetly, tell her she is good, and proclaim that it was an airplane (and be happy about it). She seems to have gotten over the fear of them, and she tries to tell me Airplane! but she can't quite say it. Comes out "Irrr Annn", she yells Irrr Annn at helecopters now too :-}

[Vankarhi]

I was paying attention - I thought "wow" that bird can punch!!! And he can say that whole entire sentence in context, clever birdie. LOL.

Yes it is scary the first time you take your birds outside. Bo loves to walk around the yard and dogs (mine in my yard that is) do not bother her anymore, they know she bites their noses and ears. The staffy took a lot longer to learn that though. Skye on the other hand is scared of being on the ground, but loves to be put into one of my native trees/bushes and climbs and chews all over it. Otherwise she stays on my shoulder while I am doing gardening.

I love to let them out. They are clipped for their safety and my peace of mind, though I know some might debate this.

[Vankarhi]

Just read yours Dana, what clever birds you have there. I hope Skye becomes that "smart" and can really interact with us. she is only 10 months old now, so there is plenty of time yet. she has spoken in context a couple of times.

[birdyland]

Originally Posted by Vankarhi

Just read yours Dana, what clever birds you have there. I hope Skye becomes that "smart" and can really interact with us. she is only 10 months old now, so there is plenty of time yet. she has spoken in context a couple of times.

Thank you! I was really happy they learned to say Hawk, it gains me at least a LITTLE peace of mind. They of course were naturally afraid of the predator, so everytime we saw one I'd say HAWK! (in sort of a distressed voice) and take them in. Then when we would go out, I'd look up and around and tell them there was NO Hawk. ..... Eventually they started to say it, and they know very well that yelling my name will get my attention, so they added that, and it has become the routine. They also tell me LaLa upup or LaLa com'ere .... they never cease to surprise me with how smart they are. They'll tell my mother, Hi Mom! Hi! Hello! and they'll use Dad for my Dad. The only thing that's got them really confused is my Husband, they call him a SLIGHTLY different version of LaLa (my nickname). The only thing I can figure, is that they know my name is Dana, but that everyone calls me LaLa.... they know my Hubby's name is Danny... So, Dana-Danny, really close, and neither one of my birds could ever pronounce a "D" very well. oh well.

[Vankarhi]

it really does amaze me how smart these parrots are. I have owned parrots since I was 13 and knew they were smart, just did not realise until recently how smart. I love to hear these sort of stories (amongst others). Thanks for sharing.