Buteo ~ December 2008

[Lisa B]

How did you become involved with Birds?

A very special friend and her 3 unique birds introduced me to the world of human/bird interaction. While Gene & her 3 FIDs cut down my misconceptions and piled them up as future kindling, it was 2 little birds in need of help that fanned it from spark of interest to the flames of love.


What made you want to share you life with birds?

LOL! The choice was kinda made for me. Concentrating the effect, was the fact that I was exposed to MBS almost right off the bat.

It started with someone finding a very young Northern Cardinal in an empty MacDonald's cup near the edge of their home's driveway and bringing it in to the pet-store I was visiting. The store couldn't keep it, so I took it in.

Over the next months, we looked after "Milkshake". It developed with a slightly splayed feet, but was able to walk, hop, climb & hang on the sides of tree trunks without a problem. Being a native species, laws require that the bird not be captive and be able to fly away whenever it wanted. I set up a cage in the backyard, but Milkshake would follow us everywhere.

One day while Milkshake was snoozing in the cage, I went out to the store. When I came back & walked out to the yard, I look over and HUH?????
There were 2 birds in the cage, Milkshake and a young blue & white budgie (Petey).

As Milkshake's wings grew stronger, it would fly over our fence & into the trees & yards all around the block.
Tragically, Milkshake was killed shortly after Petey arrived. :(
A worker replacing my neighbor's roof accidentally stepped on Milkshake as it foraged in the long grasses near the base of a ladder.

The Budgie as it turned out was an escapee from a couple that lived a little more than a block away & were in the process of moving.
Only 7-8 months old and clipped, Petey managed to survive the journey from one backyard birdfeeder to the next for more than 2 weeks in a neighborhood with a large number of free roaming cats (as well as Raccoons, Opossum, Fox and Coyote.)
LOL! I can imagine Petey must have thought he'd found salvation when he hit our backyard and there was a cage with fresh food & clean water just sitting there open & inviting. Considering his former owners were going to rehome him with a reluctant relative anyway, I think it worked out for the best - he has a forever home here.


How long have you been an avian caretaker?

A little over 3 years now.


What species do you currently care for?

Hmmm. Our first FID is a very handsome male sky blue & white "English" Budgie that my Mom insisted we name Petey.
My parents had owned an almost identical budgie 10 years before I was born. My mom became so enamoured with him that when my Dad passed away last November, I gave him to her.
IMHO, that little bird was a very instrumental in helping her cope with such a significant loss.

Our other feathered one is Grace, a 2 year old special needs White Capped Pionus. My friend Gene had always told me that she though a Pi would be great for our family.
A petshop we had dealt with for our fish had 3 WCPs. The youngest we'd named Halo, was our fist choice, but sadly he grew weaker during weaning & died.
Necropsy revealed a congenital defect- there was a severe narrowing at the bottom of his crop. Formula would pass trough fine, but solid foods blocked it.
Grace's obvious foot problem made her sale not the most likely prospect, so we made an offer & Grace is now a happy member of our family.


What do you love most about your birds?

That they both honour me with allowing me to interact with them.


Do you have a favourite bird book and why?

Hmmmmm. A favourite? No, not really.
I have copies of (and read cover to cover a few times):
Julie Rach's "The Simple guide to Bird Care & Training"
Mattie Sue Athan's "Guide to a well behaved Parrot" & "Guide to the Senegal Parrot"
Mathew M Vriends, PhD's "Lories & Lorikeets"
Jurgen Nicolai's "A complete introduction to Finches."
LOL plus about 3 years worth of BirdTalk. ;)

I would have to say most often used bird book is my "Birds of North America" field guide.


Which bird magazines do you buy/subscribe to?

A subscription to BirdTalk, but I occasionally pick up other mags.


Do you belong to any bird clubs?

Not at this time. Health issues (especially my dang allergies) tend to prevent me going to most gatherings.



Do you have a special story of a feathered one you would like to share?

I think I've related enough of those tales as this questionnaire has progressed.
LOL! Besides, I'm trying to keep this under a page in length! ;)



What is the best piece of advice you can offer new parronts that you have learned through trial and error?Relax. LOL! Pretty well every one of us on here knows keeping a bird (especially a new bird or a new owner) can sometimes make ya have A BIRD!..
or at least have ya imitating a woodpecker with your forehead on the nearest flat surface.
If in doubt, hop on the forum here & ask yer questions. Someone or other will be along to answer or to show where you might find it.



Care to share who else shares your life? Pets/Family?
That's easy! They're all mentioned in my Sig or & pics are in my members gallery.



Any closing thoughts?

I'm honoured to be chosen as December's Member Of the Month.
This is a great board. It's quite active with a fairly large & knowledgeable membership (and staff).
I'm very happy to contribute & help make this a such an interesting place.

[greencinacheeks]

great pick! congrats Buteo!!!

[xafsmom]

Congrats!

(OOoh I hate the short text limit!)

[Addicted to Tequila]

Happy happy... joy joy!

[Tobysmom]

congrats!!!!!!

[alwaysontimneh]

Congrats!!!!

[KimM]

Congrats Buteo!

[Halo]

Congrats!
......

[gbird]

Excellent choice.....a true gentleman & all around good guy!

[Valo's Moirana]

congrats - what a great choice... it's an honor to have you here



oh, and tina - spell out the smilie... then the text limit is easily fulfilled
/exit smartie-mode