Category — Phoenix Landing News

Let no one think that Phoenix Landing cares any less for the welfare of the smallest birds.  The little ones have every bit as much personality as the larger birds; and their need for enrichment, food and health are just as important. In addition, parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds have long lives too (15-25 years is no small number)!

Meet Louise, Huey and Dewey, Bourkes parakeets. They are part of the group that recently came from the Catawba County NC shelter, which were confiscated due to a horrendous hoarding situation.

And we named this little cockatiel Raindrop. She is the only cockatiel in the Catawba shelter group that came to us, although we understand there were quite a few cockatiels in the larger group initially. Perhaps she has been separated from her friends? She may be a bit sad and lonely now, but we are determined to give her a future life filled with health and fulfilling social activities!

To date, Phoenix Landing has re-homed 359 parakeets, 125 lovebirds, and 330 cockatiels — 51% of the birds that we have had the pleasure to help so far. In addition, Phoenix Landing assists many shelters as our capabilities allow. Over the last 8 years, we have 229 re-homed birds from shelters (13.5%). Birds end up at shelters for many reasons, however, the ones from Catawba certainly represent one of the worst possible reasons….

Just over one week ago,

26 feathers,

began their journey

A new last name;
They would share

Phoenix Landing

like all those feathers before
and the feathers to follow

warm,
safe,
empowered…

soft voices to surround them
an encouraging whisper to their souls

The  dull  lifeless light of frantic fear
will dim in their eyes
ever fading grey
and

The fire of trust will begin to simmer
as the zest for life
rekindles

They will find strength…
these 26 feathers

in heart,
mind.
and soul.

And here are thoughts from Lannie Ellison, who was there the day these birds came under our protective umbrella (February 10th), and who continues to spend hours each and every day caring for them.  She simply cannot be thanked enough, but the birds certainly let her know how appreciative they are, as their health and welfare continue to improve daily.

Thursday was a new beginning for 26 parrots from tiny doves to macaws. What a delight to see them safe and secure with bowls filled with food and clean water. To get to this point required a great deal of work and organizing from Teri, Ann, Mary and Luke. Arrangements for temporary housing, cages, perches, toys, food, bowls and lots of nuts were gathered  and transported. A few extra volunteers helped at the site to set up cages and dress them out for the new occupants. From the animal shelter in carriers and coaxed into new homes one cage at a time with a cheer for each transfer.

Just as special was sharing this with human friends who feel the same passion for our parrots. We understand why tears come to our eyes as we watch a Macaw enjoy every tiny crumb of a walnut and a little Nanday hold a prize Nutriberry in his toes. These birds are safe now and will know kindness, plenty of food and clean water and toys in their cages and hopefully soon to a new family to love them. I’m so thankful I got to be a  part of this day.   Lannie

My name is QUINN, and I’m a blue & gold macaw.  As you can see, I don’t have many feathers right now but am really enjoying plenty of walnuts.  My wish list is another big, BIG box of walnuts so I can continue to get the benefit of all those wonderful essential fatty acids that I so terribly need.

Would it be too much to ask for some of those foraging toys too (plastic, stainless steel or wood)?  They tell me I was the most traumatized bird Phoenix Landing has ever seen.  My wings were bruised and bleeding because I was flapping around the cage all the time, trying to get the heck out of that place.  I was also pretty sad since my cage mate died while we were still at the shelter.  The Phoenix Landing volunteers put my travel carrier in the cage so I would have a place to hide and feel safe.  The first time I peeked out and saw a human, I said “Uh Oh!” and dashed back inside, so my first name was “Uh‐Oh Fred.”  Now I’m brave enough to sit on my perch and eat my yummy walnuts, and they have given me a new and very dignified name of Quinn. Think I’ll keep it!

I am living in the very first cage that greenwing macaw Phoenix (the founder of Phoenix Landing) had 15 years ago.  I must be extra special!  Someday, however, I hope to find a home that will provide me with my very own extra large cage and playgyms, and a family to call my own.

In mid-December, a North Carolina resident was charged with animal cruelty and a total of 142 birds and 44 dogs were seized by animal control under the authority of the Catawba County Animal Shelter.  The environment the parrots and dogs were found in was described as containing years of accumulated waste; feces contaminated what little food and water was available. Many of the animals were fragile, injured, malnourished and in need of extensive veterinary care.

Charlotte, A Gold Capped Conure

By February 11, 26 parrots – ranging from parakeets to macaws  – remained at the shelter and it did not have the capacity or resources to care for the birds any longer.  They asked Phoenix Landing for help.  We mobilized volunteers and gathered as many new and used cages, travel carriers, parrot food and toys that could be located on 24‐hour notice and moved the birds from the shelter to a donated space in the Hickory, NC area.

Dreamer and Keepher, Blue and Gold Macaws

We usually stress that most of the parrots rehomed by Phoenix Landing are not “rescues,” and come from loving families who for whatever reason cannot continue to care for them.  Our adoptable birds generally don’t come from neglectful situations and it does them a disservice to describe them as such; and while we often find homes for birds that have come from shelters, the situation in Catawba County required a more intensive response and substantial resources.  These parrots came from dreadful hoarding conditions, and their extended time at the shelter had come to an end.

Eeyore, A Lilac Crowned Amazon

We’re pleased to report that they are already doing immensely better, diving into their fresh food and healthy pellets, soaking under shower mists, and having a fantastic time with some of their new toys from generous donors!  Medical support has just begun, and we have high hopes that they will all be survivors and enjoying  lives with new families in the near future.  Parrots are amazingly resilient creatures and we are confident that they will each have many happier years ahead.

How You Can Help

As our members know, Phoenix Landing is an all-volunteer network which relies mostly on foster families to take care of the  300+ foster parrots in our program.   Since the Catawba birds are under our direct care for the time being, we are greatly appreciative for the support and kindness of those who have offered to help.

Most needed are gift cards for grocery store fresh produce, Harrison’s or TOPS pellets, extra large cages in usable condition, new toys, and donations to offset medical costs and other supplies.  In addition, Phoenix Landing is looking for foster homes for these birds, so they can be housed in smaller numbers and with more individualized care.  However, we are looking for homes without other parrots until we can be sure that they have no serious medical problems that could pose a risk to other birds.

Chatter, A Nanday Conure

Our wishlist:

• Harrison’s pellets
• Full-spectrum lighting
• Grocery store gift cards
• Foster homes with no other birds in them
• Boings and perches
• Big chunky wood toys
• Foraging Toys
• Extra large cages in usable condition (clean, no rust, no broken parts)

Item and checks can be sent via the Postal Service to:

Phoenix Landing
PO Box 1233
Asheville, NC 28802

Donations can also be made via our PayPal link at phoenixlanding.org

Very Special Thanks to Our Volunteers

A big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen at the last minute; and an extraordinary thanks to Teri Rand and Lannie Ellison, daily caretakers of these 26 very special feathered survivors.

Phoenix Landing was recently welcomed as special guests of Dr. Donald Brightsmith, Director of the Macaw Project at the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) in southeastern Peru.   For 11 years from this remote site, Dr. Brightsmith has been conducting a wide variety of important research and conservation studies regarding wild parrots, and several specifically regarding the largest claylick in the world where parrots spend their early dawn hours eating clay chunks.   The parrots most common in this area include severe, scarlet, blue and gold, and greenwing macaws; white bellied caiques; mealy Amazons; a variety of conures; pionus parrots; and the rare blue headed macaws.  We saw them all and many other species of birds as well, it was a true bird-lovers paradise.

It is darn near impossible to find the words to describe the experience of seeing parrots in the wild — they were beautiful and free and busy of course; but they were also frivolous, and grouchy, and romantic, and ever so social, and loud, loud, loud!  We were privileged to see them interact as parents, mates, adversaries, and friends.  They live robust active lives, full of challenges and fun, and their intelligence radiates.   If you ever thought your captive parrot needed more to do physically, mentally and/or socially, I’m SURE you were right.

To reach the Tambopata Research Center, we traveled east across Peru by plane, and up the Tambopata river in a small boat for a total of 7 hours, deep into the jungle.  In the spirit of true eco-tourism, lunch on the boat was served wrapped in leaves, what fun!

Richard Weger, DVM

The lodge is nestled into the jungle and built of eco-friendly cane walls, curtained doors and thatched roofs.  Your room faces the open jungle so the bed is covered with mosquito netting.  It is a blend of simple comfort and a true jungle experience.

Being deep in a large national reserve, far removed from populated areas, the forest at TRC is hundreds of years old.  This makes for a huge biodiversity of animal life, and the plant life is equally remarkable.  Here we are standing under a super-sized tree. Don’t forget it can be dark in the jungle, since the trees are fighting for access to the sunlight above.

Frank Rutowski, DVM; Richard Weger, DVM; Mary Ault;
Karen Regan, DVM; Leslie Mapes; Ann Brooks

It is in large ironwood trees like this that the macaws find cavities for their nests.  These are very precious commodities, and worth fighting for.  Don told us several soap opera type stories about macaw mates, one couple even fought to the death trying to protect their tree cavity.  Upon occasion, a divorce or courting drama will happen as well.  Life is not so simple in the jungle ….

It is summer and the rainy season in the southern hemisphere in January, so the parrots were busy raising their chicks.  Dr. Brightsmith’s researchers were monitoring the nests, tracking the survival rates and growth of the chicks, and studying the behavior of the parents.  We had the pleasure of watching the researchers at work.  Using ropes to climb high up into the tree canopy, they would carefully remove the chicks and lower them in a bucket in order to perform a variety of weight and measurement checks.  Sometimes this involved kindly but firmly asking the permission of the parents, who would anxiously wait nearby for the return of their little ones.

From 1992-95, researchers at Tambopata had removed some of the chicks from the nests and finished hand-raising them.  Most macaws lay about 3 eggs, but only one chick usually survives through fledging, so this conservation effort was directed towards saving chicks that would have otherwise died.   These chicks are now famously known as the “chicos” and some have maintained a relationship with the Research Center.  This relationship mainly involves stealing food from the breakfast tables when no one is looking, or rummaging through the open lodge rooms for any unprotected snacks such as trail mix or granola bars.  I can attest to that, being pretty sure it was greenwing Ascensio that stole my granola bar and left a large green poop on my blanket!  (I later had the great pleasure of teaching Ascensio to “high four” and turn around.  We’ll save that story and movie for a future blog post).

Ascenio, a greenwing “chico”

We were there at a particularly exciting time.  Tabasco (a scarlet macaw “chico”) and his wild mate were doing a unprecedented job of successfully raising 3 chicks.  Don and his wife Gaby (she is also an important scientist at the Research Center) accompanied us on the walk to their nest one morning.  After the 3 chicks had been successfully removed from the nest for their routine checks, Don and Gaby hovered over them like proud parents.  We hope these three beautiful scarlet babies make it through fledging!

Gaby and Don Brightsmith

It is less common to visit Tambopata during the rainy season, but we wanted to see both the chicks and the life on the claylick.   After several failed tries because of the rain, we finally had one morning at the lick, and what a glorious sight it turned out to be.  Hundreds of parrots of all species came that morning.  It started with a pair of blue and gold macaws at the highest point on the highest tree, where they waited for everyone else to arrive just at the very crack of dawn, and while they waited they joyfully teased and frolicked with each other.  Soon after, the mealy Amazons gathered just beyond the lick.  We couldn’t see most of them, but we sure could hear them.   It sounded like a family reunion of the greatest proportions, with everyone talking at once (make that squeals, trills and serenades).   Once parrots started moving to the claylick, the Amazons picked out their prime spot, and they all piled up pushing and shoving to take their turn.   Over the next couple of hours, a wide variety of species, common and rare, took their turns pulling out chunks of clay.   There was so much happening, it was hard to see it all as we quietly peered through our binoculars at the social and eating frenzy.

Dr. Brightsmith’s research has largely validated that the clay provides a vital source of sodium for the parrots (and many other animals as well).  He is continuing this research effort in other Central and South American countries, and we will all benefit from the results his work.  This is an effort truly worth supporting, and I hope that all parrots lovers will do something to support parrot conservation and research, because if we don’t, who will?  For more information about how you can help, go to http://vtpb-www2.cvm.tamu.edu/brightsmith/.

Dr. Brightsmith, kindly helping me learn about the foods that parrots eat

When you share your life with a bird, you quickly realize that parrots are not far removed from their wild ancestors and that a bird’s nature is truly unique in all the world.  Unfortunately, many wild caught parrots are also kept in captivity.  Their ability to adapt to our homes has always amazed me since they must go from a life of flight, flock and freedom to a fairly restrictive environment as “pets.”   For these reasons and more, I have always had an abiding desire to learn about parrots in the wild.  I wanted to catch a glimpse of the wild spirit that my macaws Phoenix, Dallas and Fred must carry inside even as they live with me in captivity.  If you love parrots too, I hope you will have the opportunity someday to visit a parrot’s world, so you can fully appreciate them as they were meant to be.

The trip to Tambopata was truly a significant life experience, and we are deeply grateful to Dr. Brightsmith for making it so special.  What a perfect place to usher in 2010!  For those that might be interested, we are planning another trip to Tambopata two years from now.  Maybe you will join us!

Ruth, Jenny, and Leigh Ann along with Lady Scarlet (scarlet macaw), Zoe (Moluccan cockatoo), and Pepper & Franco (Congo African greys) visited The Virginian on November 17. This facility is a retirement and continuing care community for seniors, and Phoenix Landing has an ongoing relationship with them thanks to the efforts of Bozena Pait.

Bozena kindly cares for the facility’s resident cockatiels and schedules our group‘s visits about every six months. Staff and residents alike know and love Bozena, and many asked about her and sent along well wishes as she recovers from her recent surgery. We missed Bozena, and we look forward to our next visit when we know she’ll be better and able to rejoin us.

As is typical with our visits to this facility, a good time was had by all. We had some excellent questions and discussions. One gentleman seemed particularly fascinated when Jenny mentioned the Indonesian origin of Zoe, the Moluccan. We finally realized why he was so interested when he told us he had been in a war in that region but didn’t see any parrots or other animals at the time. It was sobering to imagine beautiful creatures like Zoe living in lands torn by warfare.

Lady Scarlet, Pepper, and Franco demonstrated a few of their trick behaviors and were very good little parrot ambassadors. However, I think anyone we asked would likely have voted Miss Zoe as the highlight of the visit. Ever a sweetheart, Zoe became very animated and vocal to the delight of all the residents. Surprisingly, many commented they had never known parrots can be so interactive and intelligent.

Special thanks to Ruth and Jenny for taking time out of their day to help.

Spend New Year’s Eve in one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and in the company of good friends who care about parrot conservation the way you do.

Visit the Tambopata Macaw Project with Dr. Brightsmith
Phoenix Landing is organizing a trip to the Tambopata area of Peru with Dr. Donald Brightsmith. This area has the highest concentrations of avian clay licks in the world and is an amazing opportunity to see macaws in the wild.

Dr. Brightsmith is the Director of the Tambopata Macaw Project, located in the unique rainforests of southeastern Peru. His research projects include nest activity data; the diets of macaw chicks; clay lick use and the consequences of consumption; ecology, conservation and diseases of psittacines; and the movements of Amazonian wildlife.

The Tambopata Macaw Project supports long-term research about the ecology and conservation of the nearly 20 species of macaws, parrots and parakeets that reside in the region. As in many areas, parrots are threatened by poaching and the clearing of forests.

In addition to time spent at the clay licks, hikes to key areas of parrot and wildlife activity, and special videos, Dr. Brightsmith will also give us special lectures about ongoing research projects such as the macaw nests, chicks research, and clay lick activity.

The cost of the trip is $1,650 (deposit due November 15), which does not include airfare from your point of departure to Lima, Peru and on to Puerto Maldonado (about $300), or hotel in Lima on 27 Dec. Some of you may decide to extend your time in Peru to see many other wonderful sites such as Machu Picchu.

This extraordinary trip is limited to 17 people, so reserve your spot today. For more details of this trip’s itinerary and how to reserve your spot, please see the Phoenix Landing newsletter (page 11).

Phoenix Landing’s 2009 Fall Newsletter (PDF) is now available. Like always The Phoenix Beakin’ is packed with information about parrot care, conservation and the birds we help.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Information about our first facility (The Landing!)
• A special trip to the Tambopata Research Center in Peru with conservationist Don Brightsmith. Check the newsletter (Page 11) for details about this great opportunity.
• Another great article by Kris Porter on Parrot Enrichment and Foraging Ideas. This issue’s article is on using ice cream cones and rice cakes as parrot toys! (Page 8 )
• The latest adoption stats and specific donation items requested to help support Phoenix Landing’s work. (Page 2)
• “Waiting in the Wings” – Stories of adoptable birds looking for new homes. (Pages 6-7)
• “Happy Landings” – Success stories of recently placed birds. (Pages 16-17)
• Info on our November 7th Auction. If you have items to donate, please let us know what you’ll be bringing by sending an e-mail to phoenixlanding@earthlink.net.
• And much, much more!

In addition, if you live in one of our states of operation, we hope you will join us often for our upcoming events. Of special interest this fall:

• SAM WILLIAMS of PARROT WATCH: Life on the Wild Side!
  Saturday, November 7th
  Learn more about parrots in the wild from conservationist Sam Williams of Parrot Watch (Parrotwatch.org). Since every parrot still has a wild nature, we will enjoy some special videos and updates about ongoing research and conservation efforts. It is essential that those of us who love parrots do our part to protect parrots in the wild. This event will also include a special AUCTION to support the conservation efforts of Parrot Watch. If you have items to donate to the auction, please e-mail us at phoenixlanding@earthlink.net. We will also have a POTLUCK lunch between talks, a fun way to enjoy our day and each other’s company. Also, VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION day, with another free raffle to show our gratitude for your wonderful support this year!

• DR. SUSAN OROSZ PhD, DVM, Dipl ABVP& Dipl ECAMS:
  Holistic Approach to Avian Medicine, Part 1
  The Miracle of Flight and the Relationship to the Brain, Part 2
  Saturday, October 3rd
  Some very interesting topics with our extraordinary guest, Dr. Susan Orosz! “Dr. O” practices at the Bird and Exotic Pet Wellness Center in Toledo Ohio. She is board-certified in Avian Medicine through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Board certification demonstrates that the doctor practices the highest standard of care in the profession, and can be seen by the diplomate initials “Dipl ABVP (Avian).” She is one of only 7 avian veterinarians in the world who are board-certified both in the United States and in Europe.

  LUNCH: Since Dr. Orosz has kindly agreed to talk with us about several topics, we will have an extended program and take a break for lunch. Check the newsletter for details.

Download the full newsletter here.

Tony, Teri, Careigh and Ann spent part of the day at WLOS (the ABC affiliate in western North Carolina) taping segments for upcoming episodes of “Pet Pals.” We had several Phoenix Landing parrots on-hand to help get out our message about adoption and education.

Tony had just been given a supersized macaw painting by his friend Dennis. Tony brought it in to be our eye-catching backdrop. Denny also agreed to help us paint some beautiful rainforest scenery on the walls at the Landing!

Umbrella cockatoo Kiki had quite a conversation with Julie Wander, the anchor of Pet Pals. Kiki is recovering from surgery a few weeks ago for a prolapsed cloaca, and he’s doing great.

Mango (sun conure) and Kiwi (red lored Amazon) took a few flight laps around the area — the news station employees were enthralled. Nutmeg, a harlequin macaw, was a dignified star. Also joining us – umbrella cockatoo Missy and Roxie, a double yellow headed Amazon. A fun time was had by all!

You can find to the first PetPals episode at: http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/pet_pals/vid_236.shtml

The second segment of PetPals is available at: http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/pet_pals/vid_237.shtml

About five years ago, a dear friend of ours abruptly decided to leave her comfortable life and career in ocean sciences to join the Peace Corps.  I was the first among her friends with whom she decided to share this earthshaking news.  She told me later that she felt I was the only person in her life open- minded enough to understand, and she didn’t want to hear from anybody who would try to talk her out of it.  Could I understand Marga’s yearning to explore the far corners of our beautiful planet, to get more from her own life by helping others less fortunate before her time runs out?  Absolutely.  But I could never lead such a life myself.  Marga’s thirst and courage evade me.

I don’t often hear from Marga these days.  Time and great distance tend to separate, even in this electronic age.  However, this morning I was overjoyed to discover my inbox full of Marga’s latest journal entries from her current assignment in the Indian Himalayas.  I eagerly read through her vivid descriptions of beautiful people, monkeys on rooftops, elephants blocking traffic, the splendor of the mountains, the peaceful joys of studying philosophy from a Buddhist monk, and markets packed with exquisite treasures.  When writing my reply to her, I had a sad fleeting thought that my life must seem so boring and mundane to my friend.

Then I was reminded of something that happened a few weeks ago.  It has stood out in my mind for some reason ever since.  The parrots and I were out for our morning walk when we encountered an ancient-seeming woman.  Her back was drawn over with age; deep wrinkles crossed her face; she walked with a twisted branch for a cane; and her eyes were covered with cataracts.  I think she was the oldest person I’ve ever seen.  Her garments suggested she has likely seen the wonders Marga describes, or at least others similar.  Pepper gave the gentle clucks she often uses as a greeting for someone particularly old or particularly young.  The old woman outstretched her gnarled finger to point to the greys.  A broad smile lit up her face, and she said “Beautiful.  They are beautiful.”  I never know how to reply when people say this about the birds.  Obviously the polite response seems to be to say “Thank you.”  But somehow this seems to imply that they are my possessions, acquired through some special prowess of my own; or that they are children who have turned out beautiful due to some genetic contribution of mine or my husband.  It doesn’t always seem to fit.  This time, I chose to return her smile, bow my head slightly, and reply “Yes, I think so too.”  Beauty and grace transcend age, race, and culture.  They are attributes appreciated by all who take the time to observe.

I listen to Pepper and Franco sweetly chattering to one another in a combination of English phrases and African Grey.  I peer into those wise yellow eyes that constantly study me, and it occurs to me that my life isn’t boring at all, far from it.  Nor is it without purpose.  I dare say that none of us privileged enough to share our lives with parrots have this problem.  After all, we do not even need to leave home to see someone who is exotic and special!  It is our chosen responsibility to care for and protect these extraordinary creatures, both in their natural wild realms and as our companions.  May we always treat them with the respect they deserve, remembering we are fortunate to have been given such a task.  I realize to many it would seem strange; but, to me, Phoenix Landing is my Peace Corps.