I want a macaw!

Sunday, we went the bird show in Peoria. This wasn't like the one in Cahokia Mounds, where trained wild birds of prey displayed their tricks for bits of rat meat, swooping inches over the audience's heads, all sharp beaks & talons. This was like the dog show, but with birds.

A large room was lined with tables displaying cages of birds, or bird accessories. I looked for an African Grey, like Alex, from the book "Alex and Me," a parrot that learned language, not just copying sounds, but the meaning & use of words. Not that I was going to get a bird, but it was something I was interested in.

There were many kinds of birds for sale, but I fell in love a little bit with a scarlet macaw. On three large natural wood perches, almost as tall as me, stood 3 macaws. They were intimidating with their beady eyes and huge beaks! But I put out my hand to the the center one, and he latched his beak on my diamond ring! He pinched my knuckle and the ring, so stong was his grip, stronger than a clothes pin, I struggled with him, and pulled free. Michael came over to see what the racket was, and the bird, put it foot out to him, and touched his arm. It reminded me of when we got our cat Joy from the pound, when she put her paw out through the cage door and petted me. Joy picked me. And this bird picked Michael.

Michael put out his arm to him, and he stepped up. He explored Micheal, biting the hair on his arm, his beard, and hair. Mike pet his back, and let him climb all over. You can see this in the picture. The bird talked, too. When he bit Michael, and Mike said "No" the bird said "Oh brother!" And the bird snuggled up under his chin, and said "I love you." And he chuckled, too.

We all took turns holding the bird. He was so friendly, and looking for affection. He was like a nippy pup. The other birds just stood on their perches. This one had big personality. I wanted him. The seller came over. He could see how we all played with him, and this was fine with him, he likes his birds socialized. I saw him cup his hands around the bird's ear and whisper, "I love you." So that's how he taught him! The bird was 19 months old (they live to 50!) And he was selling him for $1900. OK, I don't want him that much. Although it's a fair price, considering.