From the parrot's beak: sliding into summer edition

- Remote Island Trash May Be Threat to Rare Parrot: There's been extensive coverage of the amount of trash plastic washing up on a remote Pacific Island. The 14 square mile Henderson Island, part of the Pitcairn Islands, is halfway between New Zealand and Chile. Not as well known is that it is home to a rare parrot called the Stephen's lorikeet, plus other endemic species found nowhere else. Still unclear is whether the trash is having a negative effect on the wildlife, other than being a blight on an otherwise idyllic setting. - From various media sources.

- Not Chipper for Chocolate: The makers of MInecraft ignited a firestorm when players were encouraged as part of the game to tame or mate a parrot by feeding it a chocolate chip cookie. Chocolate is widely thought of as harmful to parrots. Members of the social media site Reddit led a charge against the faux pas with posts like, "some 6 year old is going to play Minecraft and then try to feed their Mom's macaw chocolate chip cookies." Game manufacturer Mojang says it will remove the mechanic. However, Marc Morrone, co-owner of Long Island NY's Parrots of the World and Martha Stewart anointed pet guru notes, "If a parrot ate a large amount of pure baker's chocolate, theobromine MAY hurt the bird. However pure bakers chocolate is very bitter and few parrots would do much more than a taste. Milk chocolate has very little actual chocolate and is mostly milk and sugar so if a bird ate that then it would not be an issue." He did agree that Mojang would be better off changing the game and suggests replacing the chocolate chip with a blueberry; adding, "You millennials certainly have too much time on your hands!" - From https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/minecraft-community-rocked-by-parrot-poisoning-controversy

- In a Word: So now it's a bird "habitat" rather than a bird cage, according to packages at one of those big box pet stores. Many bird clubs refer to themselves as "cage bird" societies rather than "caged bird": societies because of negative connotations. Pressure from those pesky animal rights people again?

- Weston Parrot Hoarding Update: Daniel Kopulos, arrested last October when more than 200 exotic birds and reptiles were found dead or in poor condition at his home Weston, CT home,was charged with animal cruelty; punishable by one year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.The court ordered him to get regular therapy and psychiatric treatment. If he does that for two years and avoids arrest during that time, the charges will be dismissed. In a bizarre twist, Kopulos was at one time the executive director of Animal Preservation Alliance and the founder of Fauna, an upscale New York City pet store. A 2011 story by the New York Times, titled "A Menagerie Where Pets Do the Staring" called Kopulos a “soft-spoken bird whisperer.” After losing his lease on his pet shop, Kopulos moved the animals into his home, where they were initially well-cared for. The animals are currently in the care of local veterinarians and rescue groups including Rhode Island Parrot Rescue. Weston Animal Control Officer Mark Harper said Kopulos has made restitution to the town for money the town paid for the care of the birds recovered from the home. - From http://www.thewestonforum.com/78721/judge-orders-therapy-for-kopulos-in-weston-animal-hoarding-case/

- The Once and Future Circus: "Last year when they dropped elephants, [my nephew] Haiden said 'What next, close the whole circus, then zoos!' On the bright side, he has vowed to bring it back...starting by impressing people with his trained conure act! " reports zoologist Frank Indiviglio.

- Didja Know: The black palm cockatoo, aka the "panda of parrots" is native to the rainforests of the South Pacific, and has real problems in the reproduction department. Not only do captive individuals have trouble successfully rearing chicks, but so do wild mating pairs.Experts aren’t sure why this parrot species has reproductive difficulties, however, it may be linked to their photosensitive skin, which reacts to natural sunlight. Maybe Hank should try a computer dating site.

- It's a Cat... It's a Plane... it's a parrot that surprised passengers of a Delta flight first by meowing, making them think a ca was on board; then by popping out of a man's shirt. The emotional support parrot also will {"play dead". - From nt/emotional-support-bird-plays-dead-and-meows-on-delta-flight

- ParroTV: A flock of budgerigars, some million strong, are featured on the PBS "Nature" episode titled "Swarms". The massive flock acts uncannily almost like one organism as they take turns drinking from a water hole, maneuvering around a couple of kangaroos and avoiding their archenemy, a black falcon.

- It is Time for you to Stop All of your Crying: My fids never cease to amaze me. They've seen me go through so many challenges over the last 4 years. Pudgy said "Whaa Whaa, Whaa" and I asked him why he was crying, He said "I'm crying for you"; followed by kisses and and several "I love you's" -- From a Facebook post.

- Parrotrivia: In his closing monologue, Jerry “Seinfeld” recalls his childhood pet parakeet who flew into a mirror. "Even if he thought it was another room, why didn't he avoid a head on crash with the other parakeet?"

- Quote o' the Week: Living with parrots: it's kinda like a blender with no lid that's always on.

- Caution: As the weather warms, it's fun and good for our birds to have some fresh air and sujnshine, but kept under a vigil eye. As one social media post warns, "I just watched a video of two dogs in a neighborhood kill a blue and gold macaw that was outside on a play stand. My heart dropped, my stomach felt sick. If it was my macaw I would be crushed so please if you have your birds outside in the warmer weather be sure to never take your eyes off of them not even for a minute it can make the difference between life and death." - From a Facebook post

- Don't Interrupt Us: Just figured out why Charlie keeps falling off his swing. He's been attempting coitus with it! I finally caught him in the act. -From a Facebook post.

- Love Working with Parrots?: Rhode Island Parrot Rescue has oodles of them in need of care and is looking for volunteers. contact them for info.

- Hot Dates: Pick o' the Week: 6/3: Wild Parrot Safari. You can actually see wild (technically naturalized) parrots in the "wilderness" of New York City. Steve Baldwin leads a casual walking tour where feral Quaker parrots live and construct their massive nests. 2901 Camps Rd.,Hilllel Gate, Brooklyn, NY. Call (646) 361-2879 for more info -- Ongoing- 5/31: Creative Bird Toy Matching Donation Drive orders of toys &/or parts up to $100 matched with equivalent to non-profit rescues or sanctuaries for both bird & small critters. Go to their web site or FB page for more info. --5/28,29: New England Cockatiel Breeders and Exhibitors Spring Quad Show Featuring drawing for green cheek conure. Club Frontenae 1143 Main St. W. Warwick, RI -- 6/3: North County Humane Society Annual Yard Sale. Proceeds pay medical bills at Lloyds Animal Medical Center for animals under Norfolk County Humane Society care. (Yes, they help with rescue parrots, too.) If you have items to donate call (781) 844-6172. Tax deduction letter will be given for donations. 9-4. 167 Neponset St Canton, MA. -- Want your parrot oriented show/speaker/event featured here? Email georgesommers@yahoo.com

- Found: Bird (Photo is of small green parrot with red face and blue tail- possibly peach faced lovebird?) Was at window wanting to come inside. If anyone has a cage I can borrow...please lmk. Bayside, NY (646) 468-1600 -- Lost: African grey 'Roma'. Male, 12 y/o. Forest Hills, NY (646) 417-0379

- Have an Issue Missing Issues?: Past editions of "From the parrot's beak", along with current "Pet Gazette" feature articles by this writer can be found on the Pet Bird Owners Facebook page. Please join the group!

- A-tha-tha-that's All, Folks!: "See also" links on this page are provided by Hubpages and may not be directly related to editorial content.