June 21, 2003
The Tropics
Dear Sir or Madam:
When my wife told me she wanted to bring home a "big bird", I looked her straight in the eye and said "No way". I had previously cared for other people's parrots, I had been through a finch and cockateel breeding scenario during my last relationship and was not interested in repeating the mistake. I told her, "Take care of some large parrots for a month or two. Volunteer at the zoo or a rescue service. Then come talk to me about a large bird".
Well, I'll be darned if that's not exactly what she did. She volunteered at The Tropics and came home happy and smelly twice a week for about two months. Apparently, she did not mind large birds screaming in her ears and trying to nibble her fingers off. I asked her why she liked it so much and she told me that it gave her a chance to think of something other than work and make a difference in some animal's lives. Since we have several adopted and rescue pets, I could relate to that idea. However, I still did not think Mary had any idea what she was getting into with a large parrot.
Then I met 'her bird. I had seen his picture in the newspaper with Mary, knew that he was a Moluccan Cockatoo, but that was about it. I had no idea that this bird, that had lived at the Tropics Refuge, would be so healthy and tame.
Getting To Know You:
When Mary brought 'her bird' home he was very docile, almost submissive. Once he established his territory (i.e. his cage) he got very defensive of it. That's okay, everyone needs a safe place to go.
Next we tried to handle him. Mary was his connection and he trusted her. She was able to hand-feed him, pick him up and get him back in his cage when it was time to go to sleep. As 'our bird' developed his human skills we developed our parrot skills. We began to learn the behavioral signals and body language that he uses to convey his ideas, wants and emotions. Don't ever let anyone tell you that birds aren't emotional. They can throw a temper tantrum that a two-year boy would be proud of..
As we spent more time together, 'our bird' would explore his "out of cage" world and eventually ended up on my shoulder.. I started petting the back of his neck and he accepted me. He began grooming my hair and I preened his feathers.
The Happy Ending:
"Our bird" will now climb all over the cage, sofa, various chairs and people in them. He's decided that humans are okay and they sometimes have some good treats to eat. My wife now accuses me of "stealing her bird" because he likes to have his wing feathers stroked and will tuck his head under my neck while I pet him. He's gotten to the point where he will spread his wings and let me preen him top-side, bottom-side and all over his body. He can hear Mary's car coming down the road and starts squawking for her long before she actually pulls into the driveway. She says he does the same thing for my truck..
What a fabulous gift this bird has been to our home. Thank you so much for having the faith in Mary to let her bring this wonderful creature into our lives. He's a constant source of humor, a playful companion and a beautiful example of God's creation. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Best Wishes,
Christopher Benante (a.k.a. Mr. Mary Baer)
4600 Cricklewood Lane
Charlotte, NC 28212
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