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A bird in hand ’ As soon as you knock, you hear the squawk. It is Peaches, Blac kstoc k womans Carol Davie’s gentle 15-year-old Moluccan Cockatoo shouting a . . noisy hello. love for exotic birds A native to the South Pacific, Peaches has recently taken up residence in Scugog, with his owner and friend Carol, Syd- ney, a 22-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo, Angel, a 12-year-old a Rose-Breasted Cockatoo, and five other feathered friends gf leads her to offer \ bird sitting and boarding services who make up this multi-species family. Peaches frequently plays host to visitors as well. For the last nine years or so, Carol has opened her doors and bird cages to board birds for owners on vacation or business trips who want a dependable, highly-skilled bird-sitter. “Birds are very different from cats and dogs,” explains Carol. “They’re more like having young children. They require lots of interaction.” Moluccan Cockatoos, in fact, are known for their high intelligence and sociability. Peaches demonstrates this well on the day of my visit, resting in Carol’s arms for a cud- dle, and quickly making the move to my delighted 11-year-old son’s shoulder. It is Angel, though, who rules the roost, quite literally. The pink and grey Australian native is at the head of the pecking order in Peaches was a rescue, one of many birds purchased by owners unprepared for the 24/7 care required by an exotic bird. Add in the human- sized life span of birds — some of whom can live to be 90 — and you quickly realize that birds are not for everyone. But for those who have them and love them, it can be very difficult to find a boarder you trust. That's where Carol enters in. Besides the Davie household — after Carol of course. a great temporary home, Carol also Angel was the " offers wing, beak and nail trims. She first to arrive in is a member of The Durham Avicultural Society. That membership offers friendship, support, information and the opportunity to teach others about birds, including groups like seniors and girl guides who love to get close to the rare birds. Carol is in the process of creating a “bird room” in her home that features spacious living spaces, swings, ladders to climb and wood to chew for her special friends. “I haven't been away for years,” laughs Carol. “I need to find someone like me!” Carol's bird paradise. Sydney, a 22-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo By Karen Stiller Focus on Scugog A few unfamiliar and unusual facts about exotic birds - What is exotic in one country on their fields by the thousands. ¢ African Gray Parrots are fa- can be a nuisance in another. Carol ¢ Any bird with a curved beak mous for being the best at mimick- Davie’s Angel, a Rose-Breasted is classified as a parrot. That means _ ing. Cockatoo native to Australia, is a budgies too! To learn more about birds, and sought-after pet here, but an un- * According to Carol, budgies the Durham Avicultural Society — welcome sight for Australian farm- can learn to speak - mimicking of _ including articles written by Carol ers who might have them descend _ course — in complete sentences. Davie, visit www.birdclub.ca 82 FOCUS - AUGUST 2011