Rebecca's Story - A Volunteer's Afternoon

Becca asked me to post this on our forum for everyone to read. Please call us to volunteer if you'd like to share in this experience. The Bakers and the birds will appreciate any time you can give and you'll feel really great about it, too.
Thanks!
Gretchen
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Gretchen and other bird club members,
I apoligize for not being at the meeting. My husband and I are in Spokane attending to his parents. Gretchen asked me to speak about my experience with the birds last Friday as I am now going to be giving a few hours several times a month to the birds......after all its an official rescue now and I've always wanted to be a part of something this important. Now I am.

I got Gretchen's email about helping out anyway possible which led me to this.

I arrived about 10:00am, and it was a 'primetime bird morning'. And all of our feathered friends (and furry) were happy to be alive. I wasn't sure what to expect but wore my rag clothes so I could do whatever was needed. I expecting to be handed a pressure sprayer or broom, but was instructed to give love and attention, change water as needed and maybe some seeds. Ok the seeds turned out to be more confusing than not. However the love n attention? not a problem I can do that.

Gretchen ran me through the names of all the birds......which stuck in my head all of 30 seconds or so. Just too many names. Remember, I'm a soldier girl and if the name is not stiched on the chest then I will never remember it.....
So yes Gretchen......the name tag idea is a good one....

So I was introduced to all and Gretchen was giving me details about each personality, like I would remember. I was somewhat surprised that the ones she said were nice I did not find nice at all......again I would give names but I doubt I can. So I did the best I could and spent time talking to those that did not want to be handled....Its easy to get the hint on who does not want to be handled.lol

Then a strange thing happened. Gretchen and Brian went upstairs......and it was just me and the birds.....and....WOW! all of a sudden they wanted love, hugs, grooming, baths and not JUST conversation.........with a bird show on the TV I went into what I now call the zone.

THE BIRD ZONE!

What a wonderful experience that was. The birds and I had a blast. First we had a whistling contest. Skyler won as he actually was picking up a bit of the Jeopardy tune which is one of the 2 tunes I can whistle. Of course the other tune was the Woody Woodpecker song from a record of my childhood.

We also had a singing contest and Bart had that one in the bag. The amazing thing was pretty much all the birds got involved (as you know my voice is pretty big) and those that were not participating enjoyed the show.

After this I did something I always wanted to do. I wanted to be covered in birds. At one point (at the birds discression) I had 4 birds on me at the same time (don't try this at home). it was so awesome. The rose fronted cockatoo which I called Rosie cuz I couldn't remember her name, Skyler, his neighbor next to him and Bart. With my arms spread I slowly turned around and was absolutely in heaven. We all went into the TV room and played.
Rosie really likes TV but the others played happily with me on the couch and gyms. I learned that Skyler is a sweetheart to me, Bart is a real hoot as is the yellow necked that lives next to Skyler.

I also loved on Dondo is it? I learned too that he is soooo mischievious. He likes making mischief around the greys....which by the way really didn't like me that much. Same with the Eclectus....In fact the Eclectus growled at me.....and Maggie loved the couch....

I can't say enough how much fun that was I totally forgot about time until about 1:30 when all of a sudden it was quiet in the bird rooms...(unheard of)...I turned and looked around and they were all getting ready for quiet time. So I bid my farewells to Gretchen and Brian and left until the next time the birds and I could sing together again. I still think about that morning...it was so wonderful.

I strongly recommend if you can to set some time aside and go love and talk to them all. It really makes them happy in fact Skyler did not want me to leave.....

A few notes of caution:
1) I did get bit a few times but as bird people we all know that can happen. The dark headed one that flies did the most biting (Paddy). I think he prefers blonds......or mom
2) If Gretchen says don't touch this one there's a reason for that.
3) Don't get pushy, if they don't want to be handled they will let you know and don't handle them. If they do not wish to be handled they still like the attention and to be talked to.
4)Pay attention to Gretchen's instructions, she is mom you know. And she must feel confident you are good with the birds.

My biggest lesson learned is "If Gretchen or Brian is within eye or ear shot, SORRY mom n dads. Here we don't need anyone else".

My affection to all
Becky