As we approach that day of all things having to do with Love, I thought I’d write about some of the reasons why I, and perhaps many other people, love parrots so much. Because let’s face it, if you aren’t a “bird person” you probably don’t get it at all. Here are a few:
Birds are beautiful. We’ve all seen pictures of exotic parrots that come in every colour under the rainbow. However, even birds that aren’t that colourful, like eagles and owls, are still mesmerizing in their splendor and majesty. Kosmo, and other Quakers, aren’t the most colourful of birds, but when the light hits their feathers just right, they become luminous, and what was simply “green” before, is transformed into a shimmering spectrum of spun gold with shades of turquoise and jade.
Birds are quirky and are always good for a laugh. All animals can do amusing things that endear them to us, but unlike mammals, birds are particularly unusual in their mannerisms. Maybe it’s because they waddle around on short legs and huge feet; have a fondness for hanging upside down whenever possible, or make the strangest jesters that probably mean something serious in bird-language, but just seem hilarious to us. Birds are natural clowns, and if you own one or more, you will rarely go a day without them making you laugh (If you don’t believe me, go back a few posts to see videos of Kosmo dancing and bathing – I dare you not to chuckle!)
Of course, birds are intelligent, affectionate and communicative (they even speak to you in English sometimes!) But the thing that really does it for me is the intimacy you get with a parrot.
There’s an old Vaudeville joke that goes, “If you want monogamy, marry a swan!”
No matter how big your flock (family, friends, other pets…) chances are your bird only has eyes for you – literally! Most parrot owners are viewed as that bird’s life-mate, as a result, they fully bond with you. This has its advantages and disadvantages.
Obviously, it’s a big responsibility owning a parrot. Mostly, this is because when you’re not with them, they are often not at ease and can get quite distressed. This makes working, going out socially, and travel especially, difficult.
On the flip side, the connection you have with a bird is like no other. I love my dog to death, but unless it involves food or a squeaky toy, his attention span with me is about 10 minutes, then he falls asleep.
Kosmo is always tuned into me: my moods, feelings, what I’m doing, saying, and yes I believe, what I’m thinking. And he demands my attention, not every moment, but daily, so he’s a very big presence in my life. Honestly, I never feel lonely when I’m with him, which admittedly, may not be such a good thing for someone as reclusive as I can be.
Listen, I know I’m not going to change anyone’s mind. Some people simply don’t like birds. Many are afraid of them; often with good reason. A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends described being chased into a room by an agitated Cockatoo who eventually took a chunk out of her foot! As strange as it sounds, when it comes to parrots, often, if you aren’t their “mate” you are only tolerated, or sometimes, seen as a threat, and targeted.
So if you aren’t a “bird-person,” I don’t expect you to really understand. However, if you know someone who is, I hope you can be patient with them. We can’t go out as much, and have to plan when we do; our homes are sometimes both messy and nosey, and we are often as preoccupied with our feathered babies as any new parent. And make no mistake, we are both passionate and dedicated, sometimes obsessively; if we weren’t, then we shouldn’t have birds, because that is what they require.
Kosmo is doing much better by the way. In fact, he’s gone 4 days and 3 nights without any type of collar: WITH-NO-PLUCKING!
See what a little love can do 🙂
Happy Valentines’ Day all!
rescuingkosmo 