Aviva Community Fund contest

Well, my friends, my "idea" won't be going to the next round of voting. I have withdrawn from the contest. I was advised that the idea required modification but given no details about what was required, and received no response to my inquiry about that.  I'm both disappointed and relieved. My computer time is short and I'll be able to spend it on other interests. On the other hand I feel that I've failed the many parrots residing at the World Parrot Refuge. 
 
While you've been voting over the past two weeks, you may have noticed the many worthwhile projects looking for supportive votes. Please consider continuing to vote daily for one of them.
 
Thank you  once again for your support. I am truly grateful.
 
Pat

Reminder

Even the blind birds in the Extended Care Unit at the World Parrot Refuge can enjoy toys, toys that make noise or have different textures for example. But someone has to make them; the staff are busy with the day-to-day grind. Volunteers from the community at large could help with toy making. With 900 parrots in residence the need for toys is enormous.

 There's less than one week left in the qualifying round. Please don't forget to vote...every day.

https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf19581

Many thanks,
Pat

Aviva Community Fund contest

Well we're at it again. I've entered an idea, the same idea as last year's actually, And already Wendy has called the RCMP to complain that I'm fraudulently soliciting funds in the name of the World Parrot Refuge. Sigh. The officer with whom I chatted actually chuckled when he told me the nature of the complaint. Anyway, because I'm not doing anything illegal he was just notifying me of the complaint.

I've asked for $55,000. to hire a full-time Volunteer Coordinator and cover start up costs.  I  know that many are disillusioned with so-called Refuges and Sanctuaries, including The World Parrot Refuge, and I understand why. But there are now 900 parrots in the World Parrot Refuge whose living conditions can be improved simply through the addition of a team of well trained, supervised and appreciated volunteers.

 Voting started yesterday. Please join my team of voters. Go to the following website, register, vote and save the link for tomorrow and the next day and the next.
 https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf19581

Standards article precised.

Having sent a precis of my Standards article to both local newspapers, I've been watching for them for a week now. Today I received a telephone call from the Editor of one of them to tell me that he won't be publishing my "letter" and why. We had a short but meaningful  conversation about that. In a nutshell, he is worried about the legal ramifications of printing that "letter", for both the paper and me. If the BCSPCA or some other authority had found the Refuge wanting in some way, he would do a story on that and print my "letter". However, despite visiting the Refuge twice in three years, the BCSPCA apparently found nothing wrong there. I didn't get the opportunity to suggest that perhaps it was because they know little or nothing about parrots and their needs. I asked if any of the newpapers do investigative reporting anymore. He clains that they do that all the time. However, when I suggested that they do some investigative reporting on the Refuge, he said that they have done many stories on the Refuge. I guess we have different ideas of what investigative reporting is. I've seen the stories carried by the local newspapers. They appear to have been initiated by the Refuge owners, not an objective reporter. Once again I'm back to square one. Watch for more. The Aviva Community Fund is starting up again soon.

Standards: What are they? Who makes them? Why have them?

I have spent much of the past six to twelve months trying to convince the owners/operators of a parrot refuge, to start implementing the Standards For Arboreal/Perching Bird Sanctuaries, that were created by The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). And I've offered to help. So far, the only thing I've accomplished is to get myself banned from the refuge property. Why? Can it be that standards and how and why they are made are not as well understood as I had thought? Let’s see. Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary, Second Edition, defines a standard as:

1.      Something established for use as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or judging  value or quality, for example.

      

2.      Anything recognized as correct by common consent, by approved custom or by those most competent to decide.

3.      A level or grade of excellence, attainment etc. regarded as a goal or measure of adequacy.

 Although I’d have been hard-pressed to come up with a definition before actually delving into the dictionary myself, I believe most of us share the same general idea of what a standard is. So, I don’t believe that the owners/operators of this refuge are resistant to standards because they don’t understand what standards are. Perhaps it’s because standards are used as a rule or basis of comparison in measuring or judging. The Canadian Kennel Association for example maintains standards of physical characteristics for every recognized breed of dog. The dog, in a dog show, that comes closest to the standards for that breed, wins. Some standards are used as a goal or measure of adequacy. Students attend college or university in order to meet the standards set for their careers of choice. Most jobs and careers demand compliance with a certain standard of knowledge and proficiency to ensure entry level adequacy. The GFAS Standards are used in both ways, to compare a sanctuary’s level of adequacy with sanctuaries recognized for their excellence. In the case of parrots, sanctuaries thus recognized and accredited by GFAS include Foster Parrots and The Oasis Sanctuary, both in the U.S.A. Let’s face it, being measured against standards for quality can be either gratifying or uncomfortable and embarrassing, depending on the level of quality judged to be present or absent, as the case may be.

Who makes or produces standards? The definitions suggest, “…those most competent to decide and/or judge”. Does the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) meet these criteria? It was founded in 2007 by leaders in the fields of animal protection, veterinary care, sanctuary management, and non-profit professionals. They refined and expanded existing sanctuary standards based on their own knowledge and expertise. I suppose if one isn't chosen as one of those experts, one could become disgruntled with the whole idea of complying with someone else’s proposed standards. However, when the overriding goal of a sanctuary is to provide quality care to the animals in residence, resistance to standards would appear to be somewhat contradictory.

Why do we have standards? The reasons seem to be as many as they are varied. It’s really enough to know that organizations, in this case parrot sanctuaries, that comply with standards of excellence enjoy a reputation for efficiency, safety and professionalism. Fundamental responsibilities are met and risks minimized. People, behaviours and organizational practices are legitimate.

The GFAS Standards for Arboreal/Perching Bird Sanctuaries are extensive and cover every aspect of care including housing, handling policies, staff safety and education and training protocols. Implementing some of them would be time consuming and/or costly. Some would take very little effort or other resources to implement. But becoming accredited would definitely take time.

Why would a sanctuary not want to implement standards representing quality care for its residents? Today, most companies, organizations and societies embrace standards of some kind. Educational institutions employ standards to determine who may enroll and who may proceed. Federal and Provincial laws are standards of behaviour. The CRTC uses standards to determine and monitor the moral content of films and movies.  And many sanctuaries and refuges have embraced the GFAS Standards. Sadly for the many parrots at this refuge, there is no mechanism, other than community pressure, to either impose or enforce standards. And without that I will stay banned from this refuge too.

Canada Goose Cull

From The Nanaimo Daily News

by Darrell Bellaart

News of a goose cull in Port Alberni doesn't mean Nanaimo needs to hunt problem birds in city parks, says Coun. Fred Pattje.

Droppings left by flocks of Canada geese creates a big mess in many Nanaimo parks, including beaches at Westwood Lake and Kinsman Park. in Departure Bay.

Pattje, a Departure Bay resident, was a Departure Bay Community Association executive member before his election to city council. But he sees no reason to follow the lead of Port Alberni council, which voted this week to make an exception to its bylaw banning shooting inside city limits, for a limited goose cull. 

The cull was sought by a farmer who became increasingly frustrated with the birds eating seeds planted on her property.

At a public meeting Monday, Port Alberni city council granted Ducks Unlimited approval to find hunters to shoot Canada Geese on the Somass River across from Victoria Quay.

Pattje said before he'd support a cull, he wants "to know if there's a general problem" with geese in the city. He was unable to reach parks staff to get that information Friday. and while he understands the mess from flocks of geese is a real problem in some parts of the city, his first concern is public safety. 

"I live in Departure Bay and I see them quite a bit, but I'm not aware of a large number of complaints," Pattje said. "But even still, to change our bylaw, which is similar to Potrt Alberni's, I don't think I would want anybody shooting in Departure Bay beach." 

In Port Alberni, the request came from Ducks Unlimited, due to a sharp rise in Canada geese populations.

The geese pollute public parks and golf courses with their droppings.

"They are damaging natural habitats as well," said Jeanine Bond, Ducks Unlimited conservation specialist. "They have been shown to damage important estuary habitats by having so many of them feeding in one area."

And exception to Port Alberni's no-shooting bylaw means Ducks Unlimited can now choose hunters to shoot geese on land farmed by Jennifer Dyson, whose attempts to reseed and replant have been thwarted by hungry  geese.

The birds were introduced to Vancouver Island in the 1970s by Ducks Unlimited and other conservation groups when they were considered rare.

With hindsight, today some would say, "maybe that wasn't the best idea," Bond said.

The hunt starts in September and is for one year.

Letter to the Editor: (unpublished)

“News of a goose cull in Port Alberni”??? Granted I live in Parksville, not Port Alberni. However, if this issue is being discussed on Nanaimo’s city council, who knows where and when this outrage will end…and an outrage is exactly what this behavior amounts to.

I applaud Councillor Pattje for at least suggesting some research into whether Canada Geese present a problem in the Region before rushing to slaughter them. But let’s research the solutions too. How about a dog or dogs trained to chase Canada Geese from areas where they’re not wanted? What about firing a shotgun into the air…not at the geese? How about the good old scarecrow or netting to cover seeds until they are established? I don’t know if other solutions are available. Bellaart’s article certainly doesn't suggest anyone is or has looked into it. I do know that a “limited” cull, whatever that is, lasting one year is very likely going to kill many more geese than are creating a problem. I know that the involvement of Ducks Unlimited looks like a conflict of interests to me. I know too, that we humans are notorious for killing the wildlife with which we've come into conflict, notably the Double-Crested Cormorant right across Canada, bears in Ontario and BC, rabbits, deer, and you name it.

In 1925, in a report for the Bureau of Biological Survey, F.M. Uhler commented,

Should we not, in some small degree, apply the same “right of property” by which man seems to so jealously govern himself to the feathered inhabitants of the earth? In the opinion of the writer, the ancient savage instinct toward wanton destruction certainly has no place in modern civilization.

We seem not to have learned and/or changed much since then.

Pat Phillips

Parksville, BC

250-586-5007

Addvocacy 800+ June 14, 2014

On May 14, 2014 the following letter along with a petition containing almost 800 signatures was sent to the President and Board members of the Refuge.

"As you will find from the enclosed, almost 800 people have joined me in suggesting, in the strongest possible terms, that you refrain from accepting any more parrots into the Refuge until such time as it complies with the Standards For Arboreal/Perching Birds Sanctuaries as set down by the Global Federation For Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). These standards were established with the input of animal services officers, non-profit professionals, sanctuary managers, animal protection advocates, and veterinarians…all with the health and safety of those birds entrusted to our care.

I have been an advocate for parrots in need or at risk for twenty years. I am a PIJAC certified avian specialist and a student of animal/parrot behavior. And I was a volunteer at the Refuge for 18 months ending in December 2013. My concerns then and now are not frivolous and include:

1.      The physical risk to the birds in artificially created flocks of mixed species.

2.      Cleanliness of cages, perches and medical areas.

3.      The risk of injury to both parrots and visitors in areas where they are free to mix.

4.      Parrots have no access to bathing.

5.      Inadequate washroom facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors.

6.      Inadequate record-keeping.

7.      No quarantine for new surrenders.

8.      Inadequate medical attention.

9.      No training, orientation or manual of policies and procedures for volunteers or staff.

10.  Succession planning.

11.  No clear-cut procedures for the treatment of dead birds, getting autopsies or disposing of bodies.

12. Lack of a double entry system.

The GFAS standards would eliminate those and any other concerns associated with the Refuge and ensure the health, safety and environmental enrichment that the parrots entrusted to your care deserve."

                                                                       

                                                                       Yours truly,

                                                                       Patricia A. Phillips

Since then I've heard nothing from the President or any of the Directors. If the petition has had any impact at all, I'm not aware of it.

What now? Well, the only thing I can think of right now is to concentrate on the area's by-laws. Two by-laws that I was sure were being contravened, at the Refuge are, in fact, not. There are no by-laws dictating the disposal of the bodies of the dead parrots. They can be thrown on the compost heap, buried somewhere on the property or incinerated to name a few possibilities. Also, if the Refuge was being built today, adequate washroom facilities for staff and volunteers would be mandatory. Because the Refuge isn't a new building, they are not mandatory at all. However, there are other practices that I believe are questionable that I now will make a point of checking out further, and bringing to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

I also propose doing some serious writing. Perhaps newspapers and various other publications will be interested in printing them for the general...and specific, public. If not, you'll find it here anyway. More later.

                                                            

Curmudgeon and Doppelganger

What could the words “curmudgeon” and “doppelganger” possibly have in common? Well, for me, these two words are delightful to both tongue and ear. Go ahead, say them. I was also thinking that these two words could have a significant relationship to me…that is until I actually looked both up in Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition 1983. The definition of “curmudgeon” that is of interest to me, is “a churlish or cantankerous person”. And the definition of doppelganger closest to what I thought it might be is, “the supposed ghost of a living person in his exact likeness”. Knowing the definitions of “curmudgeon” and “doppelganger” certainly opens up their possible application to me and my life.

Let’s take “curmudgeon” first. Now the older I get, the older old is. So that should tell you that I’m no longer young, or only as old as I feel while not looking in the mirror. I've met a lot of people in my years. So, I’m not new to relationships. Very few people have I disliked immediately. Most I’d call acquaintances…some more quickly passing than others, and some I’m happy and proud to call friends, some closer than others. I think I’m a curmudgeon.

Looked at the other way round, I’m seldom open and honest about the people around me, like how I feel about them and what they do or say. I don’t tell people that I think they’re jerks, liars or incompetent. And I don’t hug and kiss easily either. I hope my friends know how much I care for them even when I get irritated about something they say or do that I disagree with. I don’t really care a lot what acquaintances say or do if it doesn't pertain to me in some way. And I can get downright ugly with those few who pretend to be my friend but whose behavior doesn't conform to any definition of friendship that I know. In these cases my own behavior becomes a living definition of cantankerous. For example, take one woman I know. She’s intelligent, talented and has the gift of the gab and a wonderful sense of humour. We share the same cause, parrots in need or at risk. I liked her immediately and trusted her quickly. She said, “I can help you”. I said, ”Please do”. Months later, I said to her, “I can help you”. She said, “I don’t want you or your help”. I’m sure I’m a curmudgeon with her now.

Now that brings me to the word “doppelganger”. Oh, how I hope there is such a thing. I admit that it does sound, literally and figuratively, too good to be true. Just think, if I do indeed have a doppelganger, while it does one thing, I can do another. While I sit at home in front of the fire with a good book and, even better a snifter of B&B, my doppelganger can be out there spooking the daylights out of those friendly non-friends. What a lovely image that brings to my mind. While I’m not permitted to visit the parrots at The World Parrot Refuge anymore, my doppelganger could visit at will and do what I used to do, hand out treats, referee disagreements, provide some spray baths and do some grooming…and without paying an admission fee as well.

Most people, friends, acquaintances and…you know, those others, will find me polite and civil albeit often impatient and cantankerous… a true curmudgeon. But so far it’s just wishful thinking that makes the word “doppelganger” so attractive to me. But they truly are delightful to both tongue and ear anyway.

Advocacy 800+ - Sunshine & fresh air

Knowing that Bertie and Babe seldom had exposure to sunshine and/or fresh air when they were at the Refuge, I've taken them out with me whenever possible. We've gone out visiting the hairdresser, the Feathers In BC bird club, the cat's vet, the $ store, and sat down at the beach. But the weather hasn't always been conducive to having them outdoors for any length of time. So, when Costco had a good price for a 4' x 8' x 6' dog kennel I ordered one to use as an outdoor aviary for Bertie and Babe, and at other times, a kennel for the cats. It arrived while we, actually Lorne, was erecting a sun shelter for the patio. It wasn't until yesterday that we erected the kennel/aviary, moved two long Birch branches in for perches and introduced the girls to it. Although I still need to outfit the aviary with toys and bowls, I'm very pleased with it already. The girls seem quite comfortable in it. Today, I added a couple of toys and left the girls in the aviary while I weeded the garden. Here are some photos.

Babe enjoying the sunshine.

Bertie enjoyed running up and down the length of the branch.

It would be nice to get rid of those collars

Advocacy 800+ - March 20, 2014

On Thursday, March 20th, I headed to the Refuge to ask the Director if I could visit Chris. I've not seen her in several weeks. I also took a couple more collars for the birds that I was going to give her.

At first I didn't get past the driveway. An acquaintance was driving out as I was driving in. So we both stopped our vehicles and rolled down our windows to have a chat. While we chatted, my friend kept me apprised of the commotion that my arrival seemed to have produced that was taking place behind me in the parking lot. Both the staff supervisor and and refuge manager were running around seemingly trying to decide what they should do or who should be notified. Shortly however, the Director's husband arrived, and since we were pretty much blocking the driveway, we watched as he expertly backed his truck around both of us and into a parking place near home. He stopped for an informal hello and proceeded across the parking lot into the arms, so to speak, of the refuge manager and staff supervisor, who appeared delighted to greet him. As my friend suggested he didn't appear to know who I am which was rather refreshing.

When my friend noticed "hubby" turning back toward us, she left. LOL I didn't blame her; no one likes comfrontation. I pulled my car over to the side of the driveway, out of the way, opened my door and waited for him. While Lorne's birthday cake melted in the back seat in the sun, I got an earful. Here's what I was told, not in any particular order:

- The Director has much credibility in the community and powerful, well-known friends. She had received that "peace award" right after Jane Goodall had received it. She and "hubby" were meeting with Jane herself next week. I don't stand a chance in this community.

- The Director and her hubby have travelled extensively. There is no refuge like theirs which cost upwards of 3/4 milliion dollars to build. And none are as good.

- There are no global standards for refuges; people who start refuges simply do the best they can.

- The only reason I was not charged with Theft of a bird, namely Bertie, was because the Director couldn't put her hands on the documentation I had signed.

- If I was given control of the refuge I'd never be capable of running it and raising $25,000 a month to keep it going.

- Anyone, like me, who creates an atmosphere of negativity around the refuge, isn't permitted on the property.

- Although I had complained to the BC SPCA, they had visited just last week and found everything to be in order. As a matter of fact they found no evidence of overcrowding and stated that there was room for a lot more parrots yet.

This doesn't sound like much now, but it seemed to take quite awhile to say. My responses, when I was allowed the opportunity to say something, went something like this:

- I come with my own credentials and have much more to offer parrots than sorting the refuge's recycling, cooking potatoes and washing dishes although I'm happy to do all of that and more. That is one of the main reasons that Lorne and I moved across the country to Parksville. Frankly neither the Director or her manager know shit about me and what I'm capable of.

- There are in fact global standards for Arboreal/Perching bird sanctuaries put together by respected members of the global community of animal sanctuaries. The fact that the Director was not invited to participate doesn't mean there are no standards. The next day I sent the link to the Standards to the Director's hubby by e-mail. He had given me his business card for that purpose.

- The only reason the Director couldn't put her hands on the surrender forms for Babe, Bertie and Chris, is because there are no signed surrender forms.

I really wish I'd had a tape recorder. My memory, at least at the moment, is exhausted. I know I didn't say much that I'd have said to anyone else. Somehow it doesn't sit well to tell a man his wife is an unconscionable liar and manipulator. Shrug.

March 8, 2014 - Complaint

To whom it may concern;

My name is Pat Phillips. My husband and I along with our seven parrots, one Canary and three cats, live in Parksville on Vancouver Island.

As I understand it, sometime last week, a customer of Bosleys, Parksville, complained to you about my presence in Bosleys, Parksville with my petition.

My husband and I have been residents of British Columbia for a relatively short time, less than two years. Prior to our move here, we resided in Scarborough, Ontario for 20+ years. I shopped and bought my pet supplies at the PetValu location at Kingston Road and Lawrence Avenue, in Scarborough, for as long as I can remember that store being there. I have consistently found the personnel at both stores to be friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. I was therefore very comfortable requesting a little space, out of the way, for me, two of my parrots and a small table to hold my petition. After reading my petition and ensuring that it didn't reflect on or represent Bosleys in any way, the owner of Bosleys, Parksville, gave me permission to do so.

Now had you bothered to do your homework, here is what you'd have learned:

1. My petition does not conflict with PetValu's mission statement which purports to, " ...support organizations that advocate and provide services for the humane treatment and wellbeing of animals in BC." http://www.thepetitionsite.com/811/239/095/no-more-parrots/


2. My petition is not against The World Parrot Refuge, but for the 800+ parrots warehoused there. My petition simply states that The World Parrot Refuge should not take in any more parrots until it complies with the global community's standards for bird sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/for-sanctuaries/standards/

3. One customer does not represent the community at  large. My Petition created a problem for one customer, not the community.

4. One customer of Bosleys, Parksville complained about my petition; 50 customers happily signed it.

I understand that on the basis of that one customer complaint you've decided that no petitions are to be allowed in the store in future. That is a  thoughtless, knee-jerk reaction to that complaint that may just result in the loss of a loyal PetValu customer of many years. I believe that the owner of Bosleys, Parksville and I deserve an apology.


Pat

Advocacy 800+ March 2, 2014

For the first time in many years I experienced what it's like to get two toddlers ready for daycare first thing in the  morning. I only had to get one ready and found that pressured enough. Yesterday morning, after breakfast and bird chores, I got Bertie and Babe and all my petition information together as well as lunch for the girls and me, pellets, Bertie's clicker training props and a variety of treats. Then we were off to the local pet store to promote the petition. The family that owns the pet store were very accommodating, providing me with a table and a prominent location near the checkout.

What a wonderful day we had. Babe delighted customers with her "hello" and sometimes "goodbye". She danced and whistled and had a great time. She's quite the ham. Bertie showed off her clicker training skills for customers, especially the children, until she was so full of sunflower seeds she could barely move. Not everyone was comfortable signing the petition. Some wondered where parrots could go if the Refuge stopped taking in more. Some would have preferred to sign a petition requiring that people be licensed to own a parrot (not a bad idea). One gentleman simply said no. Despite these few objections, we got 50 signatures. In the process we managed to educate some people including members of the next generation of caregivers about parrots, their needs and their dilemmas. When we left the store at 3PM  the three of us were exhausted. But I also feel renewed and energized now.

Bertie with her new friend, Erin.

Babe & Bertie stay occupied with foraging boxes.

A rare break in the action.

Relaxing for a minute.

Advocacy 800+ Intimidation tactic

Along this road of advocacy, various people, including my husband have worried about the Director of the Refuge calling the police on me. And frankly I wasn't worried...until it happened. Last Sunday, a lovely young female RCMP officer arrived at our door saying that the Director had accused me of stealing a bird from the Refuge. Having arrived at the door with Bertie on my shoulder, I figured the best approach would be to invite her in and keep Bertie with me so that the officer could assess her relationship to us herself, while we chatted. I agreed that I had  removed my bird, Bertie, from the Refuge and told her why. However, because the Director had waited two months to lay this complaint, I couldn't show the officer the hole in Bertie's chest that prompted me to remove her from the Refuge; it was almost completely healed. The officer seemed most concerned about how she could tell who actually owned Bertie. So, I explained:

- how we had come to leave our girls, Bertie and Chris at the Refuge to begin with.
- that we had given the Director a cheque for $1000. to cover their care for one year. Later we had sent her   another $1000. for a second year.
- that I was so emotionally distraught the day that we left the girls at the Refuge, if the Director asked me to     sign a surrender form, I didn't hear her and I certainly didn't offer to do so.
- that  I'd owned Bertie since 1999 and had the name of the young man I got her from as well as the names     and contact information of people in Ontario who knew me and knew Bertie.
- that the Director has no documentation to prove that she owns Bertie.
- that the RCMP could expect to receive more complaints from the Director and why.

When the officer left some time later, she said that she didn't feel that the situation required police involvement and that she would be informing the Director likewise. That's when my heart stopped pounding through my chest. [smile]

Advocacy 800+ January 12, 2014

Today, as usual, I loaded up my treat bag, cut up some of Lorne's whole wheat bread and headed for the Refuge. On arrival, I went into the Thrift Shop to pay my admissions fee. Now that I'm no longer a volunteer, I have to pay $12.00 to get in to see the birds. Bette asked me if I was Pat. I said yes. She proceeded to tell me that the Director had  given her a picture of me and said I was not allowed in. I admit it took me by surprise. Why, I don't know; the Director seldom tells me anything to my face. What I did notice is that the photo that the Director had given Bette was the one on the Scotties tissue box sleeve that I'd had made for her as a fund-raising idea. In any event I left the Thrift Shop; I certainly wouldn't make things difficult for Bette. But I had brought two more collars that I'd made. So, I headed over to the Director's place to give them to her. She saw me through the door and came out yapping like a small dog. I had difficulty getting a word in edgewise...not that she'd have heard anything I had to say anyway. She said she was tired of my writing and tired of the articles I write and didn't need me around. She said that others she has  spoken with think I'm nuts. I did manage to ask her if she was saying I could no longer visit Babe. She said yes, that I was probably planning a way to steal her too. She also said something about not only stealing a bird but advertising it too. I'm not sure what she meant by that. I did manage to ask her if she wanted the collars; she said yes, "for the birds". I also told her that I wouldn't be going anywhere; I wasn't about to slink away because she didn't know how to play nice. So, that's it for now. And yes, it hurts. In a couple of months, I'll try again. In the meantime I have a bit more time to work on the petition etc.


Pat
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/811/239/095/no-more-parrots/

Advocacy 800+ Petition

For several weeks now, I've not been able to access this Blog. Now I have access but I cannot add photos; My "tag" is broken!!! On February 4, 2014 I started a Petition http://www.thepetitionsite.com/811/239/095/no-more-parrots/ in order to coax,urge, push, and or force the Refuge management to start complying with the Global Standards for Arboreal/Perching Bird Sanctuaries. My description is necessarily lacking the amount of detail that many people need before committing to the Petition. But without standing, credibility, or reputation in the avian and Oceanside communities, I must necessarily take great care to avoid libelist statements however true. That having been said I'm meeting people, through the petition who know the details for themselves. I'll add some photos here that provide some details if you look carefully. However, had I known when I started as a volunteer, what I know now, I'd have many more photos to substantiate and support what I've seen.

Chris with her Black-headed Parrot friend

That's not a stretch; it's a deformed wing.

The floor is Sore-toe's home.

Note no tail.

Babe

The only access to a bath, a spray bottle.

Home sweet home.

Derby and his box.

Blind 

Also  blind.

Extended Care Unit

Another "ground" dweller.

What a sad little creature!

A beat up Budgie in the Extended Care Unit.

A picture of misery.

Life in a large flight.

Kiwi, a Blue-Fronted Amazon, our hitchhiker to the Refuge.

Escapee from the large flight. Now lives on the florescent light.

Beakless

Hungry for attention, even just a hand shake.

Behaviourists donate to parrots

From the Oceanside Star January 30, 2014

This month, the World Parrot Refuge will be the first Canadian recipient of multiple donations coming conceivably from all corners of the Earth. Let me explain.

Dr. Susan Friedman is a psychology professor at Utah State University and a practicing behaviourist. She was among the first, if not the first, behaviourist to bring applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to parrots and their caregivers.

ABA is the analysis of the relationship between behaviour and the environment within which it occurs. Parrot caregivers often struggle with parrot behaviour which can be destructive, uncomfortable and/or painful. ABA helps caregivers understand why a behaviour occurs, and identify interventions that will change a behaviour.

In 2001, Dr. Friedman designed and began teaching a six-week on-line course called Living and Learning With Parrots (LLP). Students learn the basics of ABA and learn how to use it to identify and change the behaviours of their parrots that caregivers find problematic. Canadian Lee McGuire has been Dr. Friedman's teaching partner since 2004.

The course has been so successful that the 13-month wait to take the course when I took it in 2004 is now at least 24 months. It's now an eight-week course. Parrot caregivers from all walks of life and many countries continue to register for and take this course. And today graduates of that course help teach it, expanding the class size from an original 20 to 80 or so.

The fee for this course is a voluntary $50 donation to a charity chosen by Dr. Friedman as that class's recipient. The January 2014 LLP class donations recipient is the World Parrot Refuge in Coombs.

While Dr. Friedman is no doubt excited to know just how much will be donated by January's students, Wendy Huntbatch and charities like the World Parrot Refuge know that, whatever the amount, every dollar counts and will be appreciated.

Pat Phillips
Parksville

(Unbeknownst to me, my submission was edited somewhat before publishing. In my original I wrote that Dr. Friedman's choice of the World Parrot Refuge was also in houour of Lee McGuire.)

January 2, 2014 New cage arrives.

When Bertie came home I had to rearrange all the birds and their cages so that Bertie and Babe could have the two largest ones until we could get a larger cage for them. The situation was far from ideal. Poor Murray got relegated to the laundry room. Bobbie got moved to a much smaller cage, and frankly, no one was happy, including me. But on December 12th we ordered a King's extra large cage, with a removable divider in the center. they used to call it a Macaw Breeding cage. I wanted a cage for both birds with the ability to separate them if they decided to not get along.

Although the timing was not the best, it being the Christmas season and a raging snowstorm hitting the northern states and Canada, the cage arrived on January 2nd. Hubby and I spent the day unpacking the three cartons, carrying the pieces upstairs virtually one at a time and putting the cage together. Both Bertie and Babe joined us when it came time to add the furniture and entertainment. And every once in awhile I took a photo. See what you think.