by Claudia Windal

Created on: March 10, 2010

Invite me into a room filled with puppies, kittens, rabbits, ferrets, and others and that would be my most favorite place on earth. I am fortunate to have experienced a large number of rooms such as these. I have been in rooms with wonderful animals with whom I have nad no previous experience. This was my introduction to parrots of all sizes, colors, and temperaments. The place was THE LANDING, home of the Midwest Avian Adoption and Rescue Organization. Prior to my first visit to MAARS, I had had no hands on experience with Avian companions. I was, in fact, taken aback by the cacophony of bird talk, whistles and ear piercing screams.

As I began to walk around the large Parrot room, I stopped at cages where I was greeted by "Hello," "Hi! How are ya?" "Step up." and dozens of other phrases and sounds. Although many of these wonderful Avian companions looked alike, it was apparent that they each had their own personalities. One of the volunteers had "Chief," a cockatoo, out of his cage. I asked if I might hold him. She was a bit hesitant stating that she wasn't certain how he would respond to a stranger. Jamie gently transferred Chief into my arms. He looked directly into my eyes and said, "Hi." We settled into a comfortable chair and Chief cuddled with me for a long while. My heart beat and respirations were barely detectable as I held that delightful and personable fellow.

In time, and as I became adapted to this unusual environment and resident birds, I spent increased time interacting with them as they sat on my lap, stood on my arm and talked to me. The Blue and Gold Macaw is perhaps the most recognizable to people. I was privileged to get to know several of these wonderful fellows. It was Demetris who captured my heart. One day after he had been out for about an hour with me, I placed him back into his cage. As I walked away, I looked back at him, and he was looking directly at me and gesturing with his head for me to come back. I was curious what that was about and I returned to his cage. As I approached, Demetris once again looked directly at me and declared, "Mother!" I couldn't control my tears. What a joy. What a wonderful gift I had been given to personally interact with these winged creatures.

In 2003, my life partner died following a brief bout with ovarian cancer. Not long after the funeral, friends from MAARS called to ask if I might be interested in a Greenwinged Macaw as a companion. My immediate response was, "You've got to be crazy." Greenwings

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