Rare Parrot Seen

Thought to be possibly extent, birdwatchers in south-east New South Wales are getting a rare glimpse of this very rare species. Hundreds have been sighted.

"The Swift Parrot usually migrates between Tasmania and the west of the Great Dividing Range but the drought has brought them to the far south coast and Monaro in search of food.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Robyn Kesby says there are only about a thousand breeding pairs left in Australia.

She says this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the birds."

Sampling Saturday July 11

There is a reason why they call it "Beak" Appetit!

Today's Sampling Saturday free sample at the Nature Chest Bird Shop was Calypso Spice

Birdie Pizza

Can your bird say "Yum Yum"? Whether he or she can actually say it, or just think it, it's sure to be the topic for this delicious birdie pizza.

This pizza calls for a bean mix such as Volkman's Soak and Simmer and other great fresh ingredients.

This pizza looks so good, you may be tempted to try a taste yourself.

For Birdie Pizza Recipe click here

Hawk tries to grab Scooter

What an amazing video of how a free flying hawk that is part of a bird show, escapes and goes after the show's Cockatoo Scooter. We often hear people talk about taking their birds outside to play, or even to free fly them. This video brings home the danger lurking everywhere.

See video here

Baby Dusky Conure

Baby Dusky Conure learning how yummy apples can be.

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Just sharing some fresh corn from the farmers market with all the birdies this 4th of July holiday and wanted to share how simple it is to fix for your birds.

12 Fresh ears of corn
big pot
lots of water



Husk corn ears and clean silks off. Break off ends that may have worm damage. Place ears in very big pot of water. Bring water to a boil and cook approximately 10 minutes. Remove from stove. Cool ears and then cut into 1-2 inch size slices and place in freezer bags. We fill sandwich size bags and then place these bags into a larger freezer bag. Makes it very easy to just grab a small baggie a day for the birds.

How to feed: Thaw corn circles out by placing in hot water for about 10 minutes. Feed as soon as corn is cool.

Great Fun!

Parrot=1 Mini Blind=0

This is what happens when my human does not open my mini blinds like she is supposed to so I can see out.

Do you think I look like I'm sorry?

Not a chance!

Parrot Enrichment

Found this site to have some really good information for all you parrot lovers out there. Check out Parrot Enrichment

Parrots of the Caribbean

Parrots of the Caribbean
If you have heard of Bonaire at all, you may think of it as a haven for scuba divers or, maybe, loggerhead turtles. But this tiny island might also offer the best chance of survival or the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot.
By Ted O’Callahan/Photography by Kim Hubbard

Wow, what a wonderful article on how they are trying to save these parrots.

Calling all Photo Buffs

Think you take spectacular pictures? Well, if you do, or if you just enjoy taking pictures for the fun of it, why not enter the Nature Conservancy's 2009 Photo Contest. And even if you don't want to enter your own picture, be sure to check out the fabulous photos from last year. They will make your day!
Nature Conservancy 2009 Photo Contest.<

Pet of the Day

We found this really cool site called "Pet of the Day". Today's special pet is Kippie a 6 year old Gold Cap Conure parrot. What a sweetie!
Read about Kippie here at:
Kippe The Gold Cap Conure

Friendly Kitty Cities

Although our passion is parrots, we love all creatures. We thought this was interesting info for all the cat lovers out there. According to CATalyst Council located in Kansas City, MO, the top cat cities in the United States are:

Tampa, Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland, Denver, Boston, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.

Honorable mention went to Ithaco, NY.

Earth Day 2009

Celebrate Earth Day 2009 on Saturday, April 18th, with the Nature Chest Bird Shop in Decatur, Alabama., at 826 McGlathery Lane SE, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Fun activities for the kids. Drawing for a free eco-friendly parrot bag to be given away as well as an eco-friendly bird toy package.

A percentage of all sales between Saturday April 18 and Wednesday April 22, will be donated to the Nature Conservancy.

Order online at:

http://www.naturechest.com/

ttp://www.CalypsoParrot.com

http://www.GourmetParrot.com/

Come join the party and "Go Green for Parrots"!

2009 AFA Convention

The American Federation of Aviculture Convention 2009 ~ Houston TX August 5-8, Wednesday-SaturdayTheme: "Aviculture: Branching Out"Art work: The Blue-headed Pionus

The 2009 convention will be in Houston, Texas August 5-8, 2009 at the Hilton Houston North on Greenspoint Drive. The day trip will be to the Houston Zoo on Wednesday afternoon after the House of Delegates meeting. Below is a preliminary list of speakers. Others will be confirmed later this week.* * CEU credits for those desiring the same will be through RACE (Registry ofApproved Continuing Education www.aavsb.org/ .) * *For more information or to Register go to www.afabirds / http://www.afabirds.org

SUPER 8 raffle prizes, winning ticket drawn at banquet Saturday night:· $1,000 cash donated by Dr. Christopher Chinnici and Charlie the African Grey· Belize Retreat donated by Carolyn and John Carr· Blue-cheeked Amazon print donated by Gamini Ratnavira· San Francisco Getaway donated by Mary Ellen LePage· Parrot Bed Quilt donated by Ardith Raine, sewn and quilted by Sharon Garsee· Opal and Diamond Ring donated by Pat Chinnici· Nursery Hospital 2A Solid State Brooder donated by Joe Freed· Bow Front Cage donated by Super Pet* 1 lucky person will WIN A LAPTOP just for registering and attending! *Please read all details and rules at www.afabirdsClick on "2009 Convention" and see drop down menu for printable raffle tickets and speaker topics. Winner need not be present to win Super 8 items. Keynote Address: Ian Tizard, BVMS, Ph.D., ACVM

Speakers: · Sharman Hoppes, DVM, Ph.D.Sponsored by Texas A & M University Schubot Exotic Bird Health CenterUpdate on Proventricular Dilatation Disease Allergic Alveolitis

Darrel Styles, DVM, Ph.D.Socialization of the Parrot from Hatch Through Maturity The Physics of Feather Color Generation in Parrots and Basic Avian Genetics of Psittacine Color Mutations

Mark SargentPionus Parrots · Matt Baird The Galah in Aviculture Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos

Kshmir Csaky Easing the Transitions in Life of Captive Birds A Comparative Observation of Hyacinth Macaws in Captivity and in the Wild

Roger G. Sweeney Considering Avian Social Systems in Aviculture Behavioral Solutions in Aviculture Management

Jason Crean Whitebacked MousebirdsLineolated Parakeets

Rick Jordan Sponsored by International Conure Association Conures: World's Greatest Pet Bird and Breeder Bird

Dick Schroeder The Hornbills

Bonnie Zimmerman Sponsored by Indonesian Parrot Project Project Abbotti - Conserving the World's Rarest Cockatoo

Chris Biro Sponsored by International Conure Association Importance of Flight and the Freeflying Lifestyle

Marshall Liger Practicing Safe Avian Restraint and Proper Grooming

Donald Brightsmith, Ph.D.Sponsored by Texas A & M University Schubot Exotic Bird Health CenterPsittacine Nutrition Research: Tambopata to Texas and Beyond Macaw and Parrot Ecology and Conservation Research in South America

Caroline Efstathion Structure and Function of the Avian Respiratory System

Tony PittmanThe Slender-billed Conure in the Wild and in the Aviary

Robert R. GabelU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Juan Cornejo Sponsored by Texas A & M University Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center Captive Breeding and Husbandry of the Horned Guan

Michael Dalton Passive Speech Research, Language and the Animal Mind

Ron Mazzoni A Practical Guide to Feeding Softbills

Bill Van Patten On Walkabout With Mike Fidler - the Gouldian Finch

Robin Shewokis Sponsored by The Bird Endowment Do Breeder Birds Benefit from Enrichment?

Jean Dubach, Ph.D. Sponsored by The Avicultural Society of Chicagoland Who's My Daddy? How Genetic Analysis Can Answer Basic Questions

Adrianne Mock Branching Out--Birds in the Classroom, at the Fair and at the Park

Greg E. Poulain Adoption Protocol for the Rehoming of Companion Birds

Laurie Baker No Bad Birds: Birds Instincts vs. Human Interpretation

Cheryl BurnsBird Folk Basics--Websites

Fly like an Eagle

Get a real bird's eye view of birds with this live cam of an eagle nest.

We view eagles as magnificent birds and as our nation's symbol of freedom, we admire their great strength and power. Most of us however will never get close to an eagle's nest, but thanks to technologoy you can now safely see inside an eagle's nest.

As of this writing this particular pair of eagles has three eggs in its nest. The size of the nest is huge and watching the parents take care of their babies is awesome. It has probably taken them several years to get their nest this size.

What a great site to share with your children too. They will love watching the eagles and reading some of the information on the site to learn more about eagles.

The Webcam is only available during daylight and it can take several minutes to load on your computer depending on your Internet connection. Be patient. Also, don't be suprised if you get several popups as the site loads.

http://www.turtlebay.org

Wild Bird Seed Recall

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Ongoing Issues Regarding Peanut Corporation of America Result in Scotts Voluntarily Recalling Five Wild Bird Food Suet Products That May Contain PCA Peanut Meal
Contact:Jim KingSenior Vice President, Corporate Affairs(937) 578-5622

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Marysville, Ohio -- February 16, 2009 -- The Scotts Company LLC announced today that it is voluntarily recalling specific lots of five varieties of suet wild bird food products after learning those products may contain peanut meal purchased from the Peanut Corporation of America's (PCA) plant in Blakely, Georgia, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated bird seed and/or pet food products. People handling wild bird food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Scotts ("the Company") has requested that its retailers, distributors and sub-distributors recall the affected products, using proper recall notifications, and remove these products from retail shelves or warehouses, and return them to the Company. In addition, the Company also is requesting that those parties that sell the affected products to consumers not only advise those consumers of the recall, but also tell them to throw the product away, avoid touching unsealed product with bare hands, and wash their hands thoroughly after touching unsealed product.
Scotts has not received any reports of illness involving its products that may contain the PCA peanut meal, and it is no longer using any products from the Blakely facility. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, Scotts is recalling the following five products with the specific manufacturing date codes below that were manufactured between December 27, 2008 and January 17, 2009:

For full release and additional information visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/scotts02_09.html

How Smart they are

Anyone who knows a Quaker Parrot already knows just how smart and sassy they can be. We thought this was a very interesting article about these lovely green parrots. We are also know some of the participants (humans and birds alike) and wanted to share their story as well.

http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-behavior-and-training/bird-medium-bird-behavior/quaker-intelligence.aspx

What's a Quaker to Do?

With many of us enduring snow, ice, and lots of cold weather, this little Quaker is enjoying his snowy day with gusto. Chanceman Quaker believes in living life to the fullest.

Maybe he will even share his sled with his brother and sisters.

The Kea Parrot

The following is reprinted with permission by the author Jan Santor.

THE KIA PARROT (ICE PARROT) IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH: If you are day sleeper or night “owl”, this bird may be the perfect companion for you as they are semi-nocturnal. In captivity they are known to be most active during dark or stormy weather in addition to nighttime hours. The entertaining Kea is a parrot that is loved by most and disliked by some. These lovely birds have entertaining habits, though they have known to be destructive as a result of their inquisitive and playful natures. They require many chew toys and puzzle toys to keep them out of mischief, they are curious and can be destructive if not properly supervised and occupied. They are hardy little fellows hailing from the New Zealand Alps. While drafts are still a bane as with any other caged bird, lower temperatures do not faze them in the least.

They grow to about 19 inches in length and are chattery noisy but; not raucous. The cry of the Kea, as generally heard in the early morning, has been aptly compared to the mewing of a cat; but it likewise utters a whistle, a chuckle, and a suppressed scream. The Kea does not walk like other parrots, it hops and usually in a sideways fashion to the delight of their admirers. Their adult plumage is acquired at about 18 months of age, and females can be distinguished from males by their beaks, which are often less sharply curved and shorter than those of males. The beaks are brownish gray. The Kea's plumage is an olive green shade, and each feather has a black edging. Over the yellowish green colored crown and nape, the feathers have dark striping. The cage should about 3 feet high, 2 feet across, and 18 inches deep, with 5mm bars and no more than 1” bar spacing so that they have lots of room to move about in. Usually an earth or sand covered floor is appropriate. Plenty of hiding places should be provided. A supply of fresh branches should also be present for chewing.

In captivity, a Kea's diet can usually be made up of fruits and vegetables with carbohydrate and protein supplements. Keas are known for their ready acceptance of most foods. Often maize and brown rice can be cooked and offered as a meal. Soaked pigeon feed, peanuts, hemp, and sunflower seeds have also been offered with good results. Vegetables, a large portion of the diet, can be offered in the form of carrots, potatoes, cabbages, greens, and beets. A variety of fruits are accepted: oranges, berries, and passion fruits to name a few. In the wild, they are omnivorous and relish lamb and mutton. Offering them cooked pieces of meat of all types will provide them with needed protein. While they dine on fresh meat in the wild, it should be cooked for caged birds to prevent parasites and any infection.

Parrot Rescues

It has come to our attention that a local parrot rescue located in Huntsville, Alabama has recently taken in one of the most disturbing cases of animal abuse in it's history.

Honker, a blue and gold macaw, was abused and beaten for 14 years before fate finally stepped in and allowed this beautifully spirited bird to be rescued. As the Executive Director of Parrots-R-4Ever, Dave put it, "they may have broken his body, but they did not break his spirit". After being kept his lifetime in an 18x18 inch size cockatiel cage, and having pretty much every bone in his body broken at one time or another, Honker now is safe and so loved by everyone who hears his story. You can read Honker's Story here