Wilmington, North Carolina Gets a Bird Club

Until recently, those who owned parrots in the Wilmington, North Carolina area were on their own when it came to their love of our fine feathered friends. This has changed thanks to the hard work of Ces Erdman. In spring of 2009, he sent out a call through this slightly urban jungle to gather together. Thus the Wilmington Bird Club was hatched and bird owners have a group to get together with to share stories, tips and generally bond over their birds.

As most owners know, the relationship with a pet parrot is very different from that of a cat or dog. It's said that dogs are man's best friends, that cats have staff rather than owners, but parrot companionship is just that - a companion on an equal level. They demand respect in order to give it. They will bite the hand that feeds if they are not feeling that they are getting what they want at the time, but they will also be completely devoted when they do fall in love with you... until you make them mad again. Thankfully they are quick to forgive. They have real relationships with their "owners". Getting a parrot is in a lot of ways like you are getting a room mate. They can be messy and aren't going to clean up after themselves, they aren't even going to share the bills, but they can be so entertaining and share such emotion and give support that they make waking up each day worthwhile and coming home a true joy.

The bird club meets once a month, typically on Saturday at 4pm at the end of the month. Currently anyone who is interested in keeping a bird as a pet or who has already been claimed by a bird is invited to attend. Birds are also welcome, with a few rules to keep everyone healthy & happy. Typically there is always at least one parrot in attendance to make sure that we humans are aware of what we are there for... to be in awe of the joy that can be found in sharing your life with a parrot.

The group's main goal is best expressed on their website. "The Wilmington NC Bird Club is dedicated to the education of our members and our community on the care of companion birds. This goal is accomplished through speakers at our monthly meetings and the sharing of information among our members." The organization's website, http://www.wilmingtonncbirdclub.com/ , also has much more information regarding birds like how to make toys and a collection of other links of interest to bird lovers. Each meeting features a guest (or club member) speaker on various topics such as basics of proper bird care or more in depth topics like environmental behaviors. Also there is plenty of time for networking with other members and sharing related information.

Mira Tweti was quoted in a CBS interview that "the average parrot has the intelligence of a 3- to 5-year-old child." Now imagine that child wanting constant attention, they are flock animals after all. After a while that beautiful fun pet, can become a burden if you weren't expecting it to need so much love. They can develop attention getting or stress relieving habits that strain the pet / owner relationship even further. Imagine if you lived in an isolation cage? They need to get out & play as much as we do if not more so.

Another misunderstanding that people may have about parrots is that each bird has as unique a personality as each of us humans do. With encouragement and a relationship built on trust, these birds will show us the beauty of their individuality. Just because you get a Congo African Grey, you shouldn't expect it to be as clever or talkative as the renowned Alex who worked with Irene Pepperberg. Especially if you don't put in the time and training that she did. The neighbor's Senegal may do tricks, while the one you end up with adores snuggling more than performing. Allow them to be themselves & enjoy the distinct character that each bird has.

With parrots, who may have a lifespan as long as humans, often times there is a need to find a new home at some stage of their lives. Sometimes they outlive their owners. Other circumstances make it hard to care for their needs; a new job may make it impossible to spend the required time with the bird or loss of a job might make the financial responsibilities too great. At times it can be due to owners who were not aware of the dedication and diligence that is needed to keep a parrot happy.

Another service that was severely lacking in the Wilmington area was in finding homes for parrots when the owners find they can no longer care for the birds for whatever reason. When it becomes clear that the best interest of the bird & owner is to re-home, the Wilmington Bird Club can help. Already the group has successfully placed several birds with delighted new owners. In some cases they are able to foster the birds until they are well enough to be placed and in others they work hard to make the connections to get the birds into a more fitting situation. Bird ownership isn't for everyone, but no bird should suffer when there are willing people ready to give them the attention and love they so need.

Sometimes it just takes a little education to mend the issues. Perhaps the Budgie (or parakeet as they are more commonly known in the United States) is biting every time you try to get them to step up. A few steps back in the training process (& yes there is a process) may mend the problem & you could find a little friend who looks forward to hanging out with you each afternoon. Maybe you have a conure who has been squawking due to feeling neglected by being trapped in its cage all day. Making sure to take time each day to spend together, allowing some out of cage time to move around (many suggested cage sizes are way too small) and being sure to rotate toys often so that they aren't bored while you work, might work wonders. In these cases, knowledge can lead to a lifetime of happy parrot companionship. Meeting with the experienced members of the bird group can help you learn what might work to help you & your parrot come closer together.

So if you are a parrot's person, or just interested in what it takes to be, take time to check out the group. It is an experience well worth your time. Check the website to see when the next meeting is & join the flock!

Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4996923n - link to the CBS story, the Truth About Parrots, containing the Mira Tweti quote.

http://www.wilmingtonncbirdclub.com/ - link to the Wilmington NC Bird Club website, containing the mission statement quoted