Psittacine Ecstacy

In the wake of the condolences following J's death, the torturous tapes in my head about said demise, and continued existence without the little pecker, I am now presented with new joy.

A few blogs ago I talked about bliss, and I discovered my bliss this year when I contracted to hand-raise several hundred cockatiels, conures, greencheeks and small parrots. Within the first few feeds I had an indescribable feeling that I soon realized was passion/bliss in its purest form. When Crazy Bird Lady went tits up and I lost my contract, I was truly bereft and knew that I had to find a way to incorporate birds, particularly parrots, into my life. A new friend who is a parrot rescuer of the most dedicated sort has entrusted me with his collection of Macaws (Remember the Lip!), Amazons, Cockatoos, Conures and various other feathered companions. Over the last month, in preparation for his Labor Day vacation, I have been feeding the birds with Jeff's tender guidance and instruction. I have come to be close to a few of the flighty fellows and have come to be the dastardly enemy of one in particular (Remember the Lip!). However, in the course of my nightly feeds, I have become particularly attached to one little Amazonian fellow named Chico.

Chico is an unhappy, single male Mealy Amazon parrot who Jeff warned me of. Oddly enough, Chico and I have become friends. He allows me to scratch his neck and cheeks, cooing and raising his wings in delight. He never lunges at me and bows his head submissively when I approach the cage. I have enjoyed developing a relationship with the fellow who is such a "killer." Last night while feeding, Jeff and I worked harmoniously in the aviary...dumping seeds, filling water, reassuring Macaws, and calmly going about our business. I spent extra time with Chico and we scratched, cawed and strengthened our bond. As I was rubbing Chico's cheek, I glanced over at Jeff to find him staring wide-eyed at our tete-a-tete.

Well, you know what happens next. Upon leaving, Jeff walked me out to the car and after some small talk told me that he had wanted to wait until after the trip, but he and Tommy had deciced that Chico should come live with me. (imagine me standing in the dusk, no words coming out but the lips are moving)

Chico will never be a replacement for J, but he is certainly welcome into my home and life. And, with Sterling, Chico and other parrots needing rescue, perhaps the non-profit that I have been longing to start can begin to take shape.

Addendum non Sequitor: I have little Geckos in my garage.