The Owl Across the Street

Welcome back!

About a week ago my husband and I stopped by to visit my Aunt Margie in Jacksonville. The plan was to take her out to dinner, but she stepped outside without her keys and we were locked out instead.

Ed to the rescue. Aunt Margie, who just turned eighty-two, sat on the front stoop with me and while we waited while Ed went to call a locksmith. “I just can’t believe I did that!” She was humiliated, but I enjoyed listening to the crickets and frogs, and talking about my Uncle Ed who passed away a couple years ago. “He’d be pacing up and down the sidewalk!” she chuckled. “It’s a good thing Ed (referring to MY Ed) is even-tempered.”

But something happened to make this little incident well worth it. A very large owl settled on top of a telephone pole across the street. I couldn’t believe my luck! “Margie, look at that huge owl!” She could not see it, but I assured her it was there, and stepped across the street to get a better look. He flew to a neighbor’s oak tree after he caught wind of my interest.

“Margie, if you hadn’t locked us out, I never would have seen that owl. ”

“Oh Dear Gussie,” she chuckled.

Technorati Tags: Bird Lovers, Owls

Hyacinth Macaw Bird Photo

The lovely hyacinth macaw from eastern and central South America is a breathtakingly beautiful shade of blue. It’s the largest flying parrot in the world; I once had the honor of having one perch on my arm, and I couldn’t believe how light it was.

These are very expensive birds to own as pets; several years ago they sold for $10,000 and I’m sure they must be a lot more in this economy. I know people now breed them and sell hand-fed babies, which is surely helping out the shrinking wild populations of these beautiful birds.

Technorati Tags: bird lover, bird photo, hyacinth macaw

Chickens as Pets (Really!)

Have you heard about the recent interest in raising chickens for their pet qualities? The people I’ve met who actually have chicken pets assure me they have distinct personalities and are a lot of fun to have around.

When I lived out in the country in California, one of our friends had a nice little front yard herd. She told me they were all different- mostly gentle and sweet with an occasional trouble maker thrown in to keep things interesting. And the fresh eggs were a delicious side benefit.

Some of my veterinarian friends treat pet chickens in their practice; one of them gave a workshop recently on how to communicate with your pet chicken! I was told that they had one person flying all the way to Kansas for the event.

I would personally rather make friends with a chicken than eat one, so I can certainly get behind this idea.

Technorati Tags: Animal Lovers, chicken pets, veterinarian

Turkeys on my Lawn

I miss the turkeys. When I had my place in the country, every afternoon in the late spring and early summer flocks of wild turkeys strolled across our property. There was a primary mama, an auntie, and about a dozen youngsters.

The males, or toms, didn’t appear until the fall. Then we’d hear them gobbling from across the street and occasionally get a glimpse of them in their puffed up finery. They were iconic; looking exactly like the Thanksgiving turkey we in the US associate with the last Thursday in November.

The most amazing wild turkey sighting was in my Florida backyard a couple years ago. I was working in my studio and a wild turkey flew (sloppily and with a great deal of feathery commotion) up on my back fence. Where he came from I never did find out.

Technorati Tags: Bird Lovers, turkeys

Lyrebird- World’s Most Talented Mimic

I’ve heard of the Lyre Bird, but I had no idea they were such incredibly talented mimics. In this remarkable video with David Attenborough, a Lyrebird impersonates other birds and sounds in its environment with astounding precision.

Technorati Tags: bird lover, bird video, lyrebird

Shimmery Hummingbird Jewelry to Love

My colorful hummingbird jewelry is iridescent and as delicate as the ruby throated beauties you may see buzzing through your back yard. I created them in fine pewter and my talented New England painters decorate them in these lovely colors.

I see a lot of butterflies in my Florida backyard, but not so many hummingbirds. I hope you’re lucky enough to have them visiting your flowers or feeder. My sister was just here for a week and I sent her home to Rhode Island wearing a pair.

I’ve seen the ones in her yard, lucky girl. They fly so close that I’ve been startled by the buzzing of their wings after they stop off at her bright red nectar feeder before zooming back to the trees at the periphery.

So I do my best. I may not have the real thing here-unless, of course, you count the hummingbird jewelry in my studio waiting to zoom off to your place!

Technorati Tags: Bird Lovers, hummingbird jewelry, hummingbirds

Pet Bird Saves Family from Fire

When a pet bird’s squawking saved a British family from being consumed in a fire, the grateful owner said he’d reward “Bob” by finding him a mate. That sounds fair! Of course there’s always the possibility that “Bob” may end up being “Bobbie.” Short of DNA testing, there’s no reliable way to determine the sex of a parrot.

I kind of doubt that would matter to these people.

Apparently the Bird’s noisy behavior had been a source of irritation, but since it saved the family’s lives, there are no more complaints. The type of parrot was unmentioned in the article I read and since there are many noisy parrots I may never know!

Technorati Tags: Bird Lovers, parrot, pet bird

Hitchhiking Peacock Needs New Home

I just read a story about a hitchhiking peacock in Pennsylvania. Now peacocks are certainly unusual birds, but I’ve never heard of one willingly hopping into a truck and patiently sitting between two people as they drove down the highway.

When I lived in California, some of our neighbors had peacocks on their property. Shortly after we moved there I recognized their call, somewhere between a crying baby and a yowling cat, and knew they weren’t far away. One hot September afternoon a pure white male walked majestically across our front yard as if it were his palace grounds. His owner was following close behind, relieved to finally catch up with the truant.

I felt as if my property had been blessed, and thereafter when I heard them call, I’d picture this glorious white bird with a harem of peahens, thankful I’d been lucky enough to make his acquaintance.

But that’s my peacock story. As to the one in Pennsylvania, the man who picked him up still hasn’t found a home for him, not even at the local zoo!

Technorati Tags: Animal Lovers, Bird Lovers, birds, peacock, zoo

Wear your African Grey as a Pendant

Bird lovers have the option of wearing their birds now, all the time. I’m not talking about on your shoulder (I’ve heard that’s not a good idea anyway) but as a realistic sterling silver African Grey pendant.

Here’s one I designed years ago, back when I was first working in this precious metal. I put my heart into this design, decorating it with detailed feathers and an expression that I still love. The pet birds I’ve personally met had a wonderful personality and were quite bonded with their owners.

If you have a bird yourself, you can always hint around to your significant other (the holidays will be here before you know it) for a Magic Zoo bird design. You are also cordially invited to prowl around on my site yourself. I have lots of bird jewelry designs besides the rather handsome silver African Grey pendant you see here!

Technorati Tags: African grey jewelry, African Grey parrots, Bird Lovers, magic zoo bird design, sterling silver African grey pendant

Bird Pets find Love

Bird pets get up early, and so do their human companions. And if there are baby birds to hand feed, their people’s lives are altered drastically! These little downy bits of fluff and pin feathers can require up to four feedings a day. But the lasting bond created between man (or woman) and bird is well worth it. Bird care at its best and most rewarding.

Many of my customers own birds and have told me they are unbelievably smart, especially African Grey parrots, which are known for their talented vocabulary. Some bird owners swear that their birds communicate in a way that actually makes sense. In other words, they aren’t just repeating phrases randomly, but as a response that actually fits.

I know it must take a lot of patience to raise and be a companion to bird pets, but if you’re a natural bird lover, what choice do you have?

Technorati Tags: African Grey parrots, bird care, bird lover, bird pets