Photo: Steve Martin of Natural Encounters, Inc.
“Parrot Nation” is a nonfiction manuscript in progress that covers the world of Aviculture. I have about half of it completed. All that remains are the chapters needing research that involve getting on more planes. Since I’m on airplanes about 18 days a month, I loathe doing it on my days off. However, I have to get moving and finish the research whether I like it or not.
“Parrot Nation” is also my blog. While it’s primarily about birds; parrots in particular, it also covers other aspects of living with parrots and their impact on people’s lives. It’s about whatever happens to cross my mind at the time, but in view of the fact that I have three African Greys parked in my living room, they do tend to take up a lot of my time.
I worked at the Cincinnati Zoo for 6 weeks total photographing the Zoo, the animals, the exhibits and most importantly, looking into the lives of the people who work there. Zoo keeping is not, as the Keepers themselves describe it: “Bunny Hugging”. It is viciously tough work, and for the most part, it’s not about the animals, but the care and feeding of them. I hope you find my posts and photos as eye-opening and illuminating as I did when delved into the “Back Side” of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
I also spent some time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah; the largest animal sanctuary and adoption center in the country.
Both were amazing experiences and I came away from both of them profoundly changed. This blog is about life with parrots, life in the air, any anything else crossing my path that I find interesting to write about. I hope you find something of interest and come back often.
Thanks for visiting,
Patricia
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Photo: Steve Martin of Natural Encounters, Inc.
Patricia Sund
I am so glad I found this site. I live very close to the Cincinnati Zoo and it is our favorite place in the city to go.
Thank you so much and I’m glad you found “Parrot Nation”. I had an extraordinary experience in your city and made many wonderful friends. I couldn’t figure out if the people were “Ohio Nice” or “Zoo Nice”. In the end, I discovered they were both. Please enjoy my site. It was a blast working there! There’s a lot going on here about the “Cincin Zoo” and it is now one of my favorite places in the world as well.
All the best,
Patricia
Hello Patricia. I just wanted to comment on your “Memo to Parker and Pepper” in the March 09 Birdtalk. Thanks for the laugh. Being a grey caregiver myself, I could truly appreciate your thoughts.
I will be looking for more of your memo’s and might even make it a habit to read them to my Sydney, Stirling and Emma Lynn. Emma could certainly use some reminders and hints from time to time.
Lisa Bono
laughed my ass off from Food Critics memo….thanks so much. Every issue the Memo gets first attention.
nancy
Toby Weber (the grey)
Debbie Michelle (the goffin)
and Big Lou (the oversized double yellow head)
Hi Nancy!
Well that is about the highest praise I can get from a “Memo” Reader because that’s what they’re designed to have you do! I enjoy writing them and it’s fun to compose something that’s on the lighter side.
Thanks again,
Patricia
Your site looks like a wonderful and information tool.
I Think February’s memo where your sister baby sits and leaves you the letter, that was the funniest yet. Ask how much to watch 16 and 4 dogs for a week? Lol I will make sure she has a case of liquor incas she needs it which she will!! LMAO!!
hi, thanks for the interesting articles. I have a problem maybe you can give me some advice on. We have a 2 year old Grey that we treat and take care of with the best care. He is fed the best foods (fresh vegs/fruits with formulated foods during the day with his treats in the evening with table food at times) He is socialized.He has a huge cage that is left open when we are at home. He had his yearly checkup with complete blood work and passed with flying colors. He is very smart; repeating words that he hears. So, my problem with him is that he likes to bite!! He loves my wife but is starting to bite her no,w (she gets upset and strikes him on his beak with her finger) I am afaid to pick him up after being bitten a few times once on the ear that took some time to heal. My fear is being hit in the eye! Thanks
Hi, Patricia. I’m a subscriber of Bird Talk magazine and have two Quaker parrots and a Budgie. One of my favorite sections is your column of the “Memo to Parker and Pepper”. Oh, do I get a kick out of it when you call them on the carpet about their behavior. As if they’re going to do anything about it. LOL!
Hi Cecilia!
Thanks so much for following my column. I so appreciate it!
Parker and Pepper may not do anything about it when I rant about their behavior, but I sure feel better!
Thanks so much for your visit,
Patricia
I have photos of pix I took of you (among others) at the TASC Birdshow last year. (I was helping Snowball.) This is because the photographer never gets photos of themselves. I find I cannot send these to you because I need an email address. (There are only seven pix, but they are 33MB.) Nothing great, but… I do have them. LMK.
[...] Parrot Nation [...]
Hello I have exp. with large birds and my mother and I would love to adopt at least 3of the Troy birds. I do not have any exp. with any Cockatoos so I would not feel comfortable adopting one. If you can help with any info with this you can email me. We are also trying to find out how to come out and help with feeding , watering and final removal of the birds we would love to come out for a week to help out these poor birds.