the *virtual perch*
a place for exotic bird lovers to flockCrazy about Conures?
If you answered yes and are indeed crazy about Conures then you must give The Conure Handbook (Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.) by Anne C. Watkins a read.
This book covers topics as varied as selecting, feeding, choosing the proper cage for and understanding the body language of these beautiful birds. It’s “the information you need to raise a happy and healthy Conure.”
Here’s what a few readers had to say:
“Covers materials the new Conure owner needs…”
“Great Book for Beginner Bird Owners!”
“Very informative book.”
“Excellent & Complete Manual For First Time or Experienced Conure Owners.”
In addition, The Conure Handbook has been translated into Japanese. Congratulations, Anne!
Is there a book about birds that you’re crazy about? Talk to us!
Bird on a Plane
“DOES he bite?” the screener at the checkpoint asked warily.
“She doesn’t bite,” I said.
“Because we have to check under the wings,” he said.
“In that case,” I said, “she might bite.”
continue reading: ‘Take Off Your Shoes, and Is the Parrot Loaded?’
Do you have a bird-related travel experience to share? Talk to us !
photo credit: ‘random plane over chicago,’ taken by yours truly while on the architecture tour that departs from Navy Pier.
The Peek-a-boo! Cockatoo
This has to be one of the cutest bird videos I’ve seen in a while. Tango the cockatoo plays peek-a-boo! with his mommy. Cameo by his Pionus pal, Raja.
Thanks, Len Charnoff for sharing this smile.
What tricks does your bird have up his/her wing? Talk to us.
Bath time for birdie
Does your bird enjoy bath time?
Romeo’s weekly ritual includes a sprinkle and a fluff. (read as: shower and blow dry). I call it his “spa day,” and he knows exactly what it means when I say it. Here’s the rub: I think Romeo tolerates the bath/shower in order to enjoy the blow dryer.
[Disclaimer: I never dry him fully and do so in intermittent blasts on a low setting. So, he's never in danger of having his skin burned.]
As soon as the drying begins, Romeo hunkers down, closes his eyes and coos. I wish, however, that he had the same reaction to bath time. He is always very tentative and sometimes shaky. I’ve tried the sink and the shower and he’s not too terribly fond of either. So, I’m asking for suggestions.
What is your bird’s bathing ritual? Anything I could try differently?
Photos of your feathered friend enjoying rubber ducky time are welcome. Perhaps they’ll rub off on Romeo…
Experience with PBFD? Please help.
A member of the *virtual perch’s* LinkedIn group is looking to connect with individuals who have experience and information to impart about Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD).
She recently started the following group discussion:
‘I have a 7 year old eclectus parrott who has PBFD. She started exhibiting symptoms about a year ago. She had been tested for PBFD when she was a baby with a negative outcome so how this happened, I have no idea. But the main thing is that aside from being bald over most of her body (and I do mean BALD) she acts fine and eats like a pig. I add nutrients to her food in hopes it will help with her immune system and overall health.
Being in New England and since it is cold now, she does spend a lot of time sitting in front of her heater.
I’d like to know if anyone had or has a bird with PBFD and will share what they know or have experienced first hand. Any information is most welcome.’
Thanks in advance for sharing and helping a fellow bird lover.
If you are on LinkedIn, we’d love to have you join our group.
If not, please leave information as a comment to this post or drop us an email.
Do birds dream?
As Susan Boyle’s CD, ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’ climbs the music charts, it seems the perfect time to ask a question that’s been on my mind.
Every several months or so, Romeo, makes a sound in his sleep that I can best describe as a cross between a chirp, a hum, and a trill. I’ve often wondered what this is and find it begs the question: do birds dream?
Does your bird ever do this?
Romeo and I would love to hear from you!
This cookbook is for the birds.
Literally.
I happened upon this cookbook that Romeo and all of his feathered friends are sure to appreciate. The Healthy Bird Cookbook, by Robin Deutsch, is loaded with nutritional information and 150 bird-friendly recipes. What’s not to love?
Your fid will be in heaven with “Rainforest Muffins,” “Parrot Pudding,” and “Millet Mac and Cheese.” Who knows? You may even be tempted to sneak a taste yourself…
I wonder if this will fit into Romeo’s stocking?
As for me, the only cookbook on my list is Iron Chef, Michael Symon’s, Live to Cook. (Cleveland loves you!)
On Twitter? Follow Nature Chest and Iron Chef Symon.
Buckeye (1996-2009)
I just learned about this sad news out of Cleveland, Ohio via Kristen Stein.
Buckeye, “Cleveland’s peregrine falcon perishes after 12 years nesting on the Terminal Tower.” Full story.
*photo credit: Marvin Fong; The Plain Dealer
Cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C!
With the holidays right around the corner, my Facebook and Twitter streams are abuzz with chat about cookies. Admittedly, I’ve started my shopping as in year’s past I’ve waited until the eleventh hour only to find that every store within a 25 mile radius is out of red hot cinnamon imperials. Sadly, you can’t make these tasty corn flake wreaths without them.
I digress. Back to the inspiration for this post.
The other day on Facebook, Rebecca K. O’Connor, author and “falconatrix,” posted a photo of adorable mallard-shaped cookies she baked for her book reading/signing on Tuesday, December 1.
She will be reading from her memoir, Lift. If you happen to be near Orinda, CA, please go and support this talented author. (There may even be a mallard cookie or two for you to enjoy!)
Just as recently on Twitter, another post about cookies caught my attention. This one courtesy of Sarah Stanley. As if her dedication to fitness (ultra runner) isn’t inspiring enough, she is baking this season for two charities: Luke’s Wings & The Disposable Hero’s Project.
Interested in purchasing cookies for these great causes? Here are the details:
For a minimum of $30.00 via PayPal, Sarah will send you a 2 dozen assortment of her homemade cookies, brownies, bars, etc.
The icing on the cake? Sarah “had a bakery back in the day” so you know they will be super delicious.
For more information, please visit her blog.
As you can see, not only does cookie start with “C,” but charity, compassion, cleverness and consideration do as well. I hope you’re as inspired as I am.
On Twitter? Follow Rebecca and Sarah.
Cheers,
Mary (& Romeo)
P.S. Keep your fids safe: bird-friendly cookie recipe here.
