September 3, 2012 Dear Mom;

This week I was back washing dishes. And while I was doing that I was able to look out the window in front of me and watch a doe with twins about 100 feet away waiting for their daily feed. All the fresh food bowls that the parrots are finished with are emptied into a wheel barrow and dumped, not too far away, for the deer, and wild birds to finish off. Some is also put out on trays, near the building for the Peacocks and Peahens that roam freely around the property. Victor, one of the staff, is responsible for sorting and disposing of all the garbage including what's put out for the deer and birds. He's also the general handyman on the premises. Anyway on Thursday, he'd been busy all day working on a sink. So, on Friday he was later than usual sorting the garbage. Well, much to my delight, the three deer apparently got impatient and came down within five feet of the door to do their own "sorting".

 

I was asked, if I had time, to wash some of the toys that were in a large bin. And, of course, that was fine with me. So. when I got a chance, I started washing those toys. My, oh my, oh my, were they filthy! When I got a chance I asked Stephanie when they'd been washed last. I was astounded at her response. Those toys were found by Victor when he was sorting the garbage. Many of the staff at the Refuge are young people around 20 years old I'd say. And I'd have to guess that they've not yet learned the value of money...at least someone else's. According to Stephanie, there are some staff that would rather sweep into the garbage, a toy that had fallen on the floor, than pick it up. All they'd have to do is pick it up and put it in a bin in the kitchen to be washed. It's not like they have to wash them. I guess you find lazy employees in every company, organization and association. I guess I just thought that everyone was working there out of their love of parrots. Hmmmmmm maybe not, eh?

Oh, and before I forget, apparently one of the Peahens has 5  new peachicks following her around. I haven't seen them yet and I've sure been looking. I guess she's keeping them out of the high traffic areas for now.

Eventually I headed for the Medical Room to see Chris. And there she was, sitting between two big Moluccan males, just as relaxed as can be, one foot up and her eyes half closed. I've attached a photo. So, I started around the room giving skritches. But some bird behind me kept saying hello. When I turned to see who it was, it was Bertie, leaning my way and trying very hard to get my attention. I was so surprised to see her; I hadn't expected to see her so was blind to the fact that she was there. She too seemed quite relaxed and comfortable there. She rode around on my shoulder as I gave out treats. But whenever I stopped to give skritches she was quick to get down on my forearm and lean into my chest. I had to laugh. She was determined to get whatever loving was available. Okay, here's a short story as background to one of the other photos I've attached. We cared for a male Moluccan, Rocky, for about a year, for our friends who moved to Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. I would give all my birds plastic bottle tops to play with. Rocky would take the white plastic mouthwash bottle top, hold it in his beak, dip it in his water bowl and tip it up to let the water run into his mouth. I was fascinated by that and watched him every chance I could. Okay, back to my visit to the medical room. As I was standing with Bertie cuddling, I noticed a male Moluccan with half a walnut shell in his beak. Damned if he didn't dip that half-shell into the water bowl and tip it up to let the water run into his mouth. I must have watched him do it a couple of times before I realized just what he was doing and managed to dig my camera out. I didn't get a series of photos that show what he was doing. But you'll see the walnut shell in his beak if you look carefully. I'll watch for it the

next time and be more ready.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I was off to see Babe. Babe was in her usual spot when I got to her enclosure. I think she maybe likes nutriberries as much or more than toast with peanut butter.





 But I didn't try to coax her down to me this time. I stood sideways to her and a perch that was close to my shoulder and started giving out nutriberries, another hit. I think I'd only given out two before she was at and then on my shoulder looking for hers. And all the while she was saying hello and hi Babe. Just too cute for words. I traded her a kiss for the nutriberry after which she went back to her perch to eat. You'll see that I was able to get a couple of photos of Babe's suitor. Again, he didn't want any part of my nutriberries. He just kept a close eye on Babe albeit from a distance this time. That first one isn't very good I know. I'm sorry. I wanted to get both Babe and "him" in and forgot how to focus in that situation. But the second one, apart from the chain running past him looks pretty good. He really is a handsome fella. LOL

 

 I waited until I got out of Babe's enclosure before offering baths. But it didn't take long to get several birds hanging on the mesh having a flapping good time. Oh how I love that.

By the time I left, I was very tired. And I still had a cake to make for the birthday party on Saturday.

So, that's it until next week.

 

Love,

Pat