From the parrot's beak: big summer holiday edition
- The Parrot Event of the Year is fast approaching. Birds are the third most popular pet (after dogs and cats) and whether you own a finch or a hyacinth macaw, there's something for everyone with an interest in birds at the American Federation for Aviculture Conference & Avian Expo scheduled for 8/3-8/7/16. You can register to hear presentations by a stellar cast of authorities in the field. But there are also several events that are FREE and open to the public including a bird show, free flight demonstration, Wednesday evening presentation - (maybe 2) and photo ops with birds. A kids program on Thursday and Friday morning is free but requires a reservation. And, or course; there will be merchants galore with all manner of toys, food and assorted bird supplies as well as bird related swag for their pet humans. https://www.regonline.com/Registe/Checkin.aspx?EventId=1757160
- Happy Feathered 4th: Parrot's Prattle is a popular professional firework and, if fact; the whistling and "muttering" noises accompanying the light show does sound somewhat like a parrot, -- Put a blue and gold macaw, an umbrella cockatoo and a scarlet macaw side by side on a perch and you've got a great patriotic holiday hookbill display. -- Make sure your birds are in a safe and secure place before the local fireworks display as the bright flashes and loud noises may be frightening. -- First First Lady Martha Washington owned a parrot. George was said to be not too fond of. -- What did Polly want for the 4th of July? A fire cracker!
- Celebirdy update: Snowball the dancing cockatoo's celebrity continues to snowball (sorry) with a feature piece in last week's "Boston Globe" by contributor Sy Montgomery.
- Parrotrivia: How well do you know it? See the great "Parrotrivia Quiz" The Pet Gazette 8/16 feature article, Pg. 8, by George Sommers.
- Quote o' the Week: Having birds is like watching over a horde of mini bratty dragons that fly into, chew and destroy your valuables and always find a chance to bite our to. - Facebook meme
- Other Winged Things: Bid on some great swag for parrots and their owners at the Parrot Toy Angels summer auction, going on until 7/9.The all volunteer organization provides food and supplies to parrots in need. All proceeds benefit the birds http://stores.ebay.com/parrottoyangels
- What's new: Miss Kiki the blue-crowned conure is the newest parrot flock member at Sotuhwick Zoo in Mendon, MA; which features daily bird shows.
- Psittacine cinema: Dr Harry: the problem Quaker parrot - YouTube -- Parrot Sings Seven Songs at Disney World - YouTube
- Contest: Mischievous macaw? Conniving cockatoo? Pet Supplies Plus is offering a $50 gift card for a photo of what your pet didn't get away with while you weren't home - and birds are one of he five categories. Shades of "The Secret Life of Pets".
- Hot Dates:
7/1-4: Special bird events take a back seat to 4th of July celebrations. Please note fireworks may be fighening to your pet bird.
7/8: "The Secret Lives of Pets" featuring Sweet Pea the parakeet opens in theaters.
7/9-10: Tim Vogle's Southeastern Exotic Bird Fair - Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA - 9-4 pm both days
7/9: Creating Motivation and Identifying Reinforcers in Animal Training. Your Computer webinar with Barbara Heidenreich 12-1:30 CST. -- Parrot 101 class. 2 pm Parrot University, 321 South Polk St, Pineville NC --13th Annual Phoenix Landing Luau and Adoption event. 10-12. Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St. Springfield, VA.
7/10: Fun with Food class. 2 pm Parrot University, 321 South Polk St, Pineville NC -- The ABCs of Behavior Phoenix Landing class. Hope Advanced Veterinary Center, 1 Taft Ct., Rockville, MD. 10-12. -- Things I Wish I'd Known Phoenix Landing class. 12-2. AniMall Cary Towne Center Mall, 1105Walnut St. Suite H8808.
- Lost: Cockatiel 'Dexter' Boston, MA wearing harness with tether. Reward offered. (617) 719-5511/515-2623 or email 3242@comcast.net -- Found: African grey. Hillsboro, OR. Proof of ownership required. (503) 887-0689
