Sunday, December 9, 2007

Local Quaker “Sparky” Builds His own Dream House ********** (Portland Oregon)

Sparky the Master BuilderSparky the Master Builder
Sparky and Alexandra Build Their Nest

Local Quaker “Sparky” Builds His own Dream House (Portland Oregon)

Sparky and Alexandra Build Their Nest





Local Quaker “Sparky” Builds His own Dream House ********** (Portland Oregon)

Sparky the Master BuilderSparky the Master Builder
Sparky and Alexandra Build Their Nest

Local Quaker “Sparky” Builds His own Dream House (Portland Oregon)

Sparky and Alexandra Build Their Nest





Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Interview with Birdchannel

Birdchannel put out one more article on the Yacolt Parrots today.

We are currently trying to get more nesting boxes for the Parrots in hopes to shield them from the harsh weather that is making it's way into this tiny town.

A lot of residents have been really supportive and giving permission to put nesting boxes up in their yards and properties.

The conditions are getting worse for this type of work, hopefully they will lighten or we will be done soon.

I definitely don't want to see any other Parrots fall because of this weather. Let's hope that we can save the remaining community of birds.

You can find the article from Birdchannel located here: Birdchannel Update Article

Thank you to all of my volunteers and people giving donations of supplies. It is very much appreciated.

Interview with Birdchannel

Birdchannel put out one more article on the Yacolt Parrots today.

We are currently trying to get more nesting boxes for the Parrots in hopes to shield them from the harsh weather that is making it's way into this tiny town.

A lot of residents have been really supportive and giving permission to put nesting boxes up in their yards and properties.

The conditions are getting worse for this type of work, hopefully they will lighten or we will be done soon.

I definitely don't want to see any other Parrots fall because of this weather. Let's hope that we can save the remaining community of birds.

You can find the article from Birdchannel located here: Birdchannel Update Article

Thank you to all of my volunteers and people giving donations of supplies. It is very much appreciated.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Columbian Article

Once again Birdman found himself face to face with the Quaker Parrot issue.

As reported on by the Oregonian.

This is the article:


Yacolt ponders the fate of 16 feral Quaker parrots

Posted by The Oregonian November 30, 2007 18:43PM

Categories: Breaking News, Clark County

Exotic bird lovers are aflutter -- and undecided -- about how to care for 16 feral Quaker parrots after Clark County's electric utility this week removed their large nests from five power transformers in the small town of Yacolt, Wash.

Two residents are organizing a town meeting for 7:30 p.m. Saturday to try to come up with a plan to keep the birds, also called Monk parakeets, as neighbors. The meeting will be held at Yacolt Pentecostal Church at East Humphrey Street and Ranck Avenue.

"They're more than just birds to us, they're part of our community," said Joy Tindall, 30, who is helping put together the Yacolt Parrot Preservation Association.

Erecting poles taller than the utility poles with attached platforms on which to nest could draw the green and gray parrots, who seek out high spots with nothing within 50 feet to obstruct visibility, Tindall said. When the first two birds started nesting in 2002, the utility poles were the highest point in the north county town, she said.

For safety reasons, Clark Public Utilities hired crews to remove the nests, which can eventually enclose an entire transformer and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Three birds were euthanized, but about 16 escaped.

Stephanie Tillett, who runs an exotic bird rescue in Brush Prairie, said the birds could be humanely captured and put into a free-flight public aviary in the town park. That way, the birds would be protected and out of the utility's way, and residents could continue to enjoy them and control their numbers. Feral Quaker parrots will not become good pets, she said.

But on Friday, Steve Burleigh, who runs a bird rescue operation in Keizer, said he and a Yacolt resident, Christopher Driggins, put up nesting boxes to attract and trap the birds. Burleigh thinks they could be "rehabilitated" and adopted, some by Yacolt residents.

As you can see, after the death of 3 birds this community and the animal lovers out there are all attempting to try and save this little community of birds.

We (Birdman's webmasters) will attempt to post along with him to try and keep everyone updated.

Thanks for all your support.

Columbian Article

Once again Birdman found himself face to face with the Quaker Parrot issue.

As reported on by the Oregonian.

This is the article:


Yacolt ponders the fate of 16 feral Quaker parrots

Posted by The Oregonian November 30, 2007 18:43PM

Categories: Breaking News, Clark County

Exotic bird lovers are aflutter -- and undecided -- about how to care for 16 feral Quaker parrots after Clark County's electric utility this week removed their large nests from five power transformers in the small town of Yacolt, Wash.

Two residents are organizing a town meeting for 7:30 p.m. Saturday to try to come up with a plan to keep the birds, also called Monk parakeets, as neighbors. The meeting will be held at Yacolt Pentecostal Church at East Humphrey Street and Ranck Avenue.

"They're more than just birds to us, they're part of our community," said Joy Tindall, 30, who is helping put together the Yacolt Parrot Preservation Association.

Erecting poles taller than the utility poles with attached platforms on which to nest could draw the green and gray parrots, who seek out high spots with nothing within 50 feet to obstruct visibility, Tindall said. When the first two birds started nesting in 2002, the utility poles were the highest point in the north county town, she said.

For safety reasons, Clark Public Utilities hired crews to remove the nests, which can eventually enclose an entire transformer and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Three birds were euthanized, but about 16 escaped.

Stephanie Tillett, who runs an exotic bird rescue in Brush Prairie, said the birds could be humanely captured and put into a free-flight public aviary in the town park. That way, the birds would be protected and out of the utility's way, and residents could continue to enjoy them and control their numbers. Feral Quaker parrots will not become good pets, she said.

But on Friday, Steve Burleigh, who runs a bird rescue operation in Keizer, said he and a Yacolt resident, Christopher Driggins, put up nesting boxes to attract and trap the birds. Burleigh thinks they could be "rehabilitated" and adopted, some by Yacolt residents.

As you can see, after the death of 3 birds this community and the animal lovers out there are all attempting to try and save this little community of birds.

We (Birdman's webmasters) will attempt to post along with him to try and keep everyone updated.

Thanks for all your support.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

What Do You Need Besides The Bird?

Things That Are Necessary:

- Adoption Certificate or Bill of Sale
[Needed to identify that your bird belongs to you.]

- Bedding (Bottom of Cage)
[Your choice - but do not use sand or cat litter.]

- Bird Bath Tubs
[All birds need to bathe. Tubs are better for smaller birds.]

- Cage
[Choose one that is species appropriate.]

- Carriers
[Keeps bird safe while traveling with them.]

- Clean Agent
[Wide range available - soap, water or chemicals.]

- Extra Food Dishes
[Several sets that are dishwasher safe.]

- Extra Perches
[Make sure they are different widths, textures and safe.]

- Extra Water Bottles
[Make sure that they are dishwasher safe.]

- Fruits/Vegetables/Cereals/Grains
[Feed a wide range and variety to your birds.]

- Instructions
[Ask seller about health, diet, routine, care and behavior.]

- Pellets ("Depends on Bird")
[Some birds love pellets, others don't. Many varieties available.]

- Spray Bottle
[Birds need regular baths. This method is good for most birds.]

- Syringes (No Needle "Needed for Babies")
[ For feeding babies or medicated sick birds.]

- Thermometer ("Needed for Babies")
[Good quality way to check temperature of feeding formula.]

- Weaning Foods ("Needed for Babies")
[Helps ease transition to adult food.]

- Toys
[Buy several species appropriate toys and change occasionally.]

- Veterinary Exam
[Annual checkup and fecal is needed for all birds.]

Things That Are Recommended:

-
Bottle Brushes
[Toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning bottles and cups.]

- Cooking Mixes
[Can be made in batches and frozen for later.]

- Covering for Floor
[Protects your floor and carpeting. Choose something that is easy to clean or replaceable.]

- Distilled Water
[For baby birds, sick birds and for when you travel.]

- Extra C-Clamps
[Replace O-rings on toys, use for safety reasons.]

- Cuttlebone
[Good mineral source for small birds.]

- First Aid Kit
[Put your own version together inexpensively.]

- Magazines
[Bird Talk, Pet Bird Report, Birds USA, etc.]

- Millet Spray
[Good for treats, use sparingly.]

- Mineral Blocks
[Come in different shapes and flavors. Good for all birds.]

- Play Pens
[Good place for your birds to play safely when not in the cage.]

- Scrapers
[Good for cleaning perches and the cage.]

- Stands
[Good for play time, traveling or training.]

- Treats
[Give occasionally. Many kinds of treats are available.]

Things That Are Optional:

- Bird ID: Microchip
[Permanent way to identify medium to large birds.]

- Extra Cage
[Good when traveling with your bird or as a sick cage.]

- Full Spectrum Lighting
[Gives your bird the full spectrum of lighting.]

- Heat Source
[Used to keep baby or sick bird warm, ask your veterinarian.]

- Incubator
[Great sick cage especially if you have several birds.]

- Seed Guards or Cage Apron
[Helps keep bird from throwing food out of their cage.]

- Sink Cage
[Good to have in case a bird gets sick or injured.]

- Therapeutic Perch
[Helps to wear nails down. Should be highest perch.]