I'm tired, beat up and discouraged. From now on I'm going to try doing my visiting with the girls and Mango before I work. Surely I'll cope better with the birds if I'm not tired already. More about that later. Chris and I set out for the Refuge in pretty good time this morning. I've been worried that if Chris takes up screaming the way she used to, and the neighbours complain, I'll have to return her to the Refuge. Therefore so that she won't lose touch with the sounds and routine there, she will go and visit the Refuge on Fridays when I go. That will reassure management too, that Chris is in good hands. This morning was a bit of a hassle though. Another bird was in the cage that Chris had used. And there was no one around to help decide just where Chris should go. I'm glad I parked the van close to the door because Chris and I drove back up to the parking lot to see if management had any suggestions. And there was, indeed, a suggestion. Back in the van went Chris and I to drive back down to the Refuge. There was a new cage in the kitchen that I set up for Chris and then I just wheeled her over to the medical room.
First I washed dishes, lots of dishes. It was raining quite hard and I had no desire whatsoever to stand outside and sort the last of the recyclables. But a couple of hours later, the rain had stopped and I did, indeed, get the rest of the recyclables sorted. Unfortunately, I was only able to put one bag together. I'd had enough by that time anyway and decided to go visit the girls and Mango. Actually, I had brought Mango out to the kitchen with me while I dried the last of the dishes. He sat on my shoulder and just talked his little heart out. He's got quite the vocabulary and his speech is very clear. Also, when I was in the kitchen, I thought I could hear Bertie's voice. When I looked through the mesh toward her enclosure, sure enough she was looking at me and doing her little "come and get me" dance. I had to laugh. Then I left the safety of the kitchen. I had little squares of Lorne's whole wheat bread that the birds like so much, as treats. While Scarlet the Scarlet Macaw, waddled over to get some bread, Idaho took a run at my feet and Mango nipped my neck because Lucy arrived on my other shoulder for some skritching. Meanwhile Scarlet's mate, a little Severe Macaw, perhaps jealous of Scarlet's treat, pulled her tail. I guess she thought I'd done it because she too went after my toes. I started over to Bertie's enclosure and didn't notice Idaho take aim and fly at me. I still hadn't visited with Bertie or Babe and I was annoyed. I've worked out a way with a towel to get Mango off my shoulder but really had to keep my wits about me to keep from getting bit. And as if that wasn't enough, one of the macaws on top of Bertie's enclosure pooped on my head. Stop that laughing; I can see you!! Already tired, bit and chased, I was about ready to make parrot puree. Thank goodness for Bertie and Babe. Both gave me all the loving and cuddles I needed. We had a really nice visit, albeit too short. I think if I do my visiting first, I'll also avoid getting in the way of staff trying to get the enclosures clean. Anyway, I packed up all my things and Chris and I went home. I think Chris was as disgruntled as I was; we hissed at each other all the way. LOL Oh, and before I forget, Chris has gained 20g in the past week. I'm actually surprised that it isn't more the way she scarfs down the food. LOL More later Mom.
Love,
Pat
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