From the parrot's beak; 8/14 edition

- Plethora of Parakeets: Did Jimi Hendrix release them in London or are they refugees from the set of "The African Queen"? The USA has its feral quaker parrots, but Great Britain is home to some 32,000 non-native wild Indian ringneck parakeets. Moreover the birds, native to southern Asia and parts of Africa; have spread to over 30 countries on five continents. Over 146,000 ringnecks were imported into Britain between 1984 and 2007 before the European union banned importation of wild birds. Feral ringnecks were observed in England in the late 1800s, but apparently died out. The current population may be benefiting from global warming and/or the growing popularity of backyard bird feeding. Ringnecks' native stronghold includes the foothills of the Himilayas, which also helps them to cope with cold weather. The ringnecks don't have to worry about their arch nemesis, the Asian black eagle, in Europe; although peregrines and sparrow hawks have apparently been developing a taste for them.

- Greys Sing the Blues: African grey parrots may be included in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1 listing. Restrictions on commercial trade are an issue with the American Federation of AViculture who contend that includes restrictions on domestic breeding and defeats the original purpose; with others, including World Parrot Trust, saying drastic steps must be taken to conserve the species as its numbers dwindle in the wild.

- Autistic Boy loses Parrot Pal: The garbage was not the only thing that went out when Milton Tejada opened the door to his Revere, MA apartment. Luna the sun conure checked out as well. Doubling the tragedy, Luna was boon companion to three year old Milton Tejada, Jr. Milton is autistic and as his mother Betsy Carreno explains, "We use Luna as therapy. She helps him to relate to people and also helps him to learn to look at people." Moreover, any change in routine is very distressing to the child. The family is offering a substantial reward and has placed a number of posters showing Luna sitting on one of Milton's toy trucks and munching a banana.

- Georgia Hoarding Update: Dr. Abhay Trivedi, the DeKalb County, GA cardiologist, was arrested last week and charged with felony animal cruelty. Three hundred thirty seven birds and eight dogs; many dead or dying, were removed from the doctor's house last July. He was granted a signature bond in court and ordered to stay away from animals and additional charges are possible. “He's a very strange man. He needs help," said one neighbor who asked not to be identified.

- Gold medal contender for parrot longetivity is an Aussie, Cocky Bennet. Born in 1796, the sulphur crested cockatoo lived to the ripe old age of 120. for much of his life, he was a resident of Tom Ugly’s Point.

- Summeritme Blues: From Long Island Parrot Society: Signs of an overheated parrot: panting, wings out, droopy on perch. Do not leave your birds in the sun, because they are tropical birds does not mean that they can stand the heat of the sun. Tropical birds live mostly in the canopy of the rainforest away from direct sun. Keep a clean spray bottle of water nearby even indoors they can quickly get overheated.

- Parrotrivia: "I have a parakeet that gives brighter answers than Wilbur," says Carol Post's father of the son-in-law he doesn't especially like in a classic episode of "Mr. Ed".

- Quote o' the Week: If you think the dog is man's best friend, you've obviously never loved a bird. - Facebook meme.

- Oh, the Irony: The acronym for Long Island Parrot Society is LIPS; a little strange as no parrot (or bird, for that matter) has lips.

- When Life Gives You Lemonade: Controversy at last week's American Federation of Aviculture conference when two of the bigger names went in search of a late night snack in the Cromwell, Connecficut area. It's reported that the water dispenser at the McDonald's had apparently been accidentally filled with lemonade which the two gleefully partook of without notifying the establishment's proprietor.

- Hot Dates: 8/12-14: Skills to Empower People to Understand Parrots workshop. Phoenix Landing, Asheville NC.

8/13: Sex & the Single Bird class. 2 pm. Parrot University. 321 South Polk St, Pineville NC

8/14: Exotic Bird Events Central Florida Fairground 4603 W Colonial Dr. Orlando. 9-4. Door prize; under 10 FREE. --Positive Reinforcement class. 2 pm. Parrot University, Pineville Towne Market at 321 So. Polk Street. Pineville NC

8/15-17: Zoological Association of America Mid-Year Conference with Barbara Heidenreich -Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel,1850 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island

- 8/20-25: Positive Parrot Training Retreat with Barbara Heidenreich - Cockatoo Downs, 15365 May Road, Dallas, OR -- Toy Making class. 11 am. Parrot University, Pineville Towne Market at 321 So. Polk Street. Pineville NC

8/20-21: Tri-State Budgerigar Society Show - Middlesex County 4-H Youth Center Log Cabin, 645 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ- Sat 10-4, Sun 10-3 Aug 20 - 25 Dallas, OR - Positive Parrot Training Retreat with Barbara Heidenreich - Cockatoo Downs, 15365 May Road, Dallas, OR

8/20: The Parrot Club Picnic - Wickham Park - Williams Pavilion 11:00—4:00 (Grill open 12-2) The Parrot Club will provide hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, soda, water, condiments, plates, flatware and ice. Bring sides, desserts, etc. to share. If you choose to bring a guest please bring additional food. Wickham Park has a $5.00 entry fee for admittance into the park on weekends. -- Adam Patterson: the Professional Parrot. Lead bird show trainer at Zoo Knoxville on what his birds do in the show. 10-12; The Landing, 31 Landing Pl., Alexander, NC.--Things I Wish I'd Known class. 10-12. Anne Arundel Animal Control Facility, 411 Maxwell Frye Rd. -- Adam Patterson: the Professional Parrot, class.-- The Contented Companion class. 10-12. Stahl Exotic Animal Veterniary Services, 4105 Rust Rd. Fairfax, VA.

- Lost: Congo African grey 'Sofia' Queens Village NY. Reward offered. (212) 748-9288 or keuryco@gmail.com --Lost: Congo African grey parrot answers to Rose or Baby. Hempstead, NY. (646) 867-4738 / (347) 414-1542-- Found: Goffin's cockatoo; Wanamassa, NJ. Currently at MCSPCA (732) 542-0040. -- Lost: Double yellow head Amazon. Makiki/WASRD HI. (8080 381-5545, or alohahawaiianparrot@gmail.com