"Birds will give you a window, if you allow them. They will show you secrets from another world - fresh vision that, though it is avian, can accompany you home and alter your life. They will do this for you even if you don't know their names - though such knowing is a thoughtful gesture. They will do this for you if you watch them." ~ Lyanda Lynn Haupt, Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ara chloropterus: Red-and-green Macaw
I met the sweetest macaw the other day at Bird Lover's Outlet, our local store for bird food, toys and grooming. (Somebody's got to trim B's nails, and that takes more practice and know-how than I have.)
The bird's name is Paisley, and he's a rescue. He's absolutely beautiful, and so, so sweet. He sat on my arm for a while as we caught up with the store staff.
Here's a bit of personal bird trivia: the first bird I ever saw cuddle with someone was a baby macaw. They're not as touch-feely as cockatoos, but they're very very sociable. And did I mention sweet?
And a bit of public bird trivia: macaws have bare patches on their cheeks, and they can blush. (I'm telling you, there's no such thing as a poker face in the parrot world.)
This doodle isn't actually Paisley. It's based on this photo.