From the parrot's beak: May 1 edition

- I think; therefore I am: "What color am I?" is most likely the first existential question to be asked by a non-human animal. Alex, the African grey who posed the question, was a parrot who not only spoke, but arguably comprehended human English. His mentor and self-described colleague, Dr. Irene Pepperberg provided the answer - grey, of course.

- Dance fever: Parrots are among a highly exclusive club of critters, along with humans, that rhythmically move to the beat of music; i.e. dance. Snowball the cockatoo set the groundwork for this scientific conclusion in a series of popular videos while dancing to the music of the Backstreet Boys, Stevie Nicks and more. He's recently been asked to be part of a music video being made in Denmark,

- You go, kakapos: A record breaking 37 kakapo chicks in 2016 are the benefit of the most successful breeding season since conservation efforts began in 1996, a significant boost to the current adult population of 123 birds.The heavy, flightless birds were once abundant in New Zealand but introduced predators such as weasels decimated their numbers to the point that they were thought to be extinct in the early 1990s.

- Psittacine cinema: Disco the parakeet is never at a loss for words. Talk Birdy to Me – YouTube

- Pollytics '16: The opinions expressed by the following parrots do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. Sir Henry Grey Poops-on is an African grey parrot who works at Bernie Sanders’ East Tennessee campaign office, frequently reminding visitors to "Feel the Bern." “The role Henry played was very important as it enabled us to get more people involved at the office and in the campaign in general,” says intern Caleb Bailey. Between Henry and Sanders' microphone podium sparrow buddy; it seems he has the feathered demographic locked up. Meanwhie, on the other side of the political spectrum we have A Parrots view of Donald Trump - YouTube

- Parrotrivia: Endora gets turned into an Amazon parrot as part of a practical joke that backfires on Uncle Arthur in a classic "Bewitched" episode.

- Stepping out: Advice from the Leather Elves bird enrichment supplies company:Sunlight is good for birds' well being and enrichment. Small travel cages are easy to move around and great for catching some rays, although not recommended for prolonged lengths of time.

- Check that spell check: The rare Sclater’s parrotlet females are lighter than the males with yellow under pants; according to one published article. We're pretty sure; as Sally Blanchard points in in her Companion Parrot website,, that they meant under parts!

- Quote o' the week: The highest compliment in a bird's world is 'I wanna barf when I see your face.' - Facebook meme

- Hot dates: (All times EST unless otherwise noted.)

4/27-30: Avicultural Society of America Conference - Red Lion Inn, 221 N Lincoln St., Port Angeles, WA

4/28-5/18: Oasis Sanctuary Spring Auction https://www.32auctions.com/theoasissanctuary

4/30-5/1: Phoenix Landing 2016 Wellness Retreat - The Sherrill Center, 227 Campus Drive, Asheville, NC - 9-5 each day

4/30: Positive reinforcement class. Parrot University. 11 a.m. 321 South Polk St, Pineville NC

5/1-7: National Pet Week

5/1: Florida West Coast Avian Society Exotic Bird Extravaganza - Potter Building at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL - 10-4 --Parrot 101 class. Parrot University. 2 p.m. 321 South Polk St, Pineville NC

5/7-8: Hawaii Pet Expo Featuring Aloha Hawaiian Parrot Association. FREE Donations of nonperishable food items are being accepted at the door to benefit the Hawaii Foodbank. 10-4 (HAST) Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI Island: Oahu

5/8-14: National Be Kind to Animals Week

5/10: Bird relationships and the timeline of bird evolution Didya know:parrots and falcons are closely related? Daniel Field is guest speaker.The Parrot Club Veteran's Memorial Clubhouse 100 Sunset Ridge Road East Hartford, CT

5/14: Feathered Sanctuary Parrot Rescue 2nd Annual Picnic. Special guest presentation by Dr. Irene Pepperberg. Also Chet Fuhrman, Casey Jones the African grey. Dr. Susan Crane and Sammy the certified therapy cockatoo, Food, raffles.12-5. 1674 Kirkwood Pk. Kirkwood, PA -- Lara Joseph; animal/parrot behaviorist and Todd Driggers DVM address at Oasis Sanctuary 10-4. MST. 5411 N. Teren Rd., Bensen, AZ -- Acupuncture in Animals class. Parrot University. Pineville Towne Market at 321 So. Polk Street. Pineville NC -- Understanding behavior - Stepping Stones toward Bird Training 1-3, Nevins Farm MSPCA, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA -- Bird Mart. 9-5. $4.; under 12 FREE. 2001 Suntide Rd. Corpus Christi, TX.

- Found: Several parrots are currently in the care of Los Angeles County Animal Control - Lancaster at (661) 940-4191, 5210 West Avenue, Lancaster, CA