Our "Mayor of the Avenue" award is presented to a member who exhibits the qualities that distinguish them to be a loving, informed, conscientious and caring bird parront and an all around good neighbor.
I'm pleased to announce Carole (waterfaller1) as 2011's first "Mayor of the Avenue"
She is truly an asset to our community, please join me in welcoming her
Carole, I truly ennjoyed reading your interview; it is wonderful to get to know you a little better
1. What kind of birds do you have, age, species and names.
19 months~ Red Fronted Macaw~Holly
Approx 15 years~Hawkheaded Parrot~Cochise
Age Unknown~American Singer Canary~Kismet
2 years~Blue Naped Mousebird~Gryphon
Approx 2~Red Legged Honeycreeper~Mr. Jeepers
Approx 2~Red Legged Honeycreeper~Jada
2. what got you interested in birds?
As a child we had a green budgie named Pebbles. He had a sad existence hanging from the ceiling in the den downstairs. At age 8 or 9, I became friends with a girl who's mom had an Amazon. The first large Parrot I had ever been so close to.He cussed like crazy!
Growing up in the 60's, there were Mynahs and parrots at the pet shop where I spent half of my childhood. I was always considered "too young" as a child, to have anything other than fish. I longed to have my own.
3. What have your birds brought to your life?
My birds are so diverse, there is something to love about each one. From the beauty of their colors and song, to the antics of my parrots, and special mousebird. Birds have also brought wonderful friends into my life. Like all of you here. Such supporting and loving people!
4. What have you learned from sharing your life with your birds?
I have learned to pay close attention to them, since birds can hide their illness. I am very tuned into their subtle changes and behaviors. I have learned that laughing each and every day makes you happy. They give me that happiness and laughter.
5. What's one birdie memory that will stay with you forever?
Raising a baby from an egg at day one. I don't know how I managed to incubate this egg without a brooder, but I did successfully care for it, and it hatched into a wonderful Jenday Conure. This was in the early 80's.
6. Where is your birds main living area?
They have their own room which they share. It has lots of windows, and they love to watch the birds and squirrels outside. I recently added a screen door for a little extra security, when they are out of their cages...which is daily.
7. Did you change things in your home to accommodate your birds and if so what kinds of things did you change?
Awareness mostly. Since I choose to have flighted birds, being conscious of them so no injury or escape happens.
8. Are you involved in any kind of bird related group or activities?
There is a little group who meets for a bird dinner once a month here. I have been once, it was ok, but not something I would do again. I thought of joining the canary groups who meet locally and have shows. Recently my thoughts have been closer to home, spending all of my available time with those I have instead.
9. What is the one luxury item you would love to have for your bird(s)?
A place for true flight. Like a 40 foot aviary made just to play with them in.
10. Is there any bird that you dream of owning and if so why?
There are a few I really love, some just because of their beauty, like the Major Mitchell Cockatoo. I realize though, that it is fun to love them from a distance. I also am loving the Uncape Parrots we have here on Avian Avenue. Juggling time between our business, home, birds, dog, time to care for my fish, I realize though that another time demanding parrot would not be fair to those I have.
11.Please describe a typical day with you at home with your birds.
In the a.m., the first bird to be heard is my Male Redlegged Honeycreeper, Mr. Jeepers. The first hint of light and he will make a low Tssk sound. Next comes Kismet, he will usually begin to sing. I go into the birdroom and change out food, water, and paper lining the cages. Sometimes Gryphon or Holly assist with making their breakfast. Holly and Cochise spend as much time out of their cages as is available. I often come and go a couple times a day from our home, but I work from home, so they are out and playing most of the day. I also bring them to their playstand in the living area, and to my office which is in a spare bedroom. They get their fruits and veggies, etc. in the afternoon, and a water change usually then also. I go with the current outside light, as to when they are "in bed" or awake.
12. What have you learned about owning birds that you would like to share?
I have learned to research before any new addition. I have learned there is a wonderful community of bird lovers, and they are the best kind of people to have in your life. Patience, of course. Especially when dealing with birds that are rehomed to you. Some take lots of time, and need to work out how they adapt to life with you,without being pressured.
13. If you knew then what you know now about birds, what would you do differently?
I would not have clipped my birds previously, and I have learned a lot about better nutrition over the years. Research!!
14. What other hobbies do you have?
I have several aquariums, from a betta to planted tanks, fancy goldfish, and a reef aquarium we have had since 03'. I love to cook, and keep exotic houseplants like Bonsai, orchids and succulents.
15. Anything else you would like to share?
I love you all, and appreciate being chosen as Mayor! As mayor of the first month in 2011, I would like to pass on my positive outlook on life. Live for the day, seize the moment, let go of the past, and work towards a better tomorrow! And keep smiling.
I'm pleased to announce Carole (waterfaller1) as 2011's first "Mayor of the Avenue"
She is truly an asset to our community, please join me in welcoming her
Carole, I truly ennjoyed reading your interview; it is wonderful to get to know you a little better
1. What kind of birds do you have, age, species and names.
19 months~ Red Fronted Macaw~Holly
Approx 15 years~Hawkheaded Parrot~Cochise
Age Unknown~American Singer Canary~Kismet
2 years~Blue Naped Mousebird~Gryphon
Approx 2~Red Legged Honeycreeper~Mr. Jeepers
Approx 2~Red Legged Honeycreeper~Jada
2. what got you interested in birds?
As a child we had a green budgie named Pebbles. He had a sad existence hanging from the ceiling in the den downstairs. At age 8 or 9, I became friends with a girl who's mom had an Amazon. The first large Parrot I had ever been so close to.He cussed like crazy!
Growing up in the 60's, there were Mynahs and parrots at the pet shop where I spent half of my childhood. I was always considered "too young" as a child, to have anything other than fish. I longed to have my own.
3. What have your birds brought to your life?
My birds are so diverse, there is something to love about each one. From the beauty of their colors and song, to the antics of my parrots, and special mousebird. Birds have also brought wonderful friends into my life. Like all of you here. Such supporting and loving people!
4. What have you learned from sharing your life with your birds?
I have learned to pay close attention to them, since birds can hide their illness. I am very tuned into their subtle changes and behaviors. I have learned that laughing each and every day makes you happy. They give me that happiness and laughter.
5. What's one birdie memory that will stay with you forever?
Raising a baby from an egg at day one. I don't know how I managed to incubate this egg without a brooder, but I did successfully care for it, and it hatched into a wonderful Jenday Conure. This was in the early 80's.
6. Where is your birds main living area?
They have their own room which they share. It has lots of windows, and they love to watch the birds and squirrels outside. I recently added a screen door for a little extra security, when they are out of their cages...which is daily.
7. Did you change things in your home to accommodate your birds and if so what kinds of things did you change?
Awareness mostly. Since I choose to have flighted birds, being conscious of them so no injury or escape happens.
8. Are you involved in any kind of bird related group or activities?
There is a little group who meets for a bird dinner once a month here. I have been once, it was ok, but not something I would do again. I thought of joining the canary groups who meet locally and have shows. Recently my thoughts have been closer to home, spending all of my available time with those I have instead.
9. What is the one luxury item you would love to have for your bird(s)?
A place for true flight. Like a 40 foot aviary made just to play with them in.
10. Is there any bird that you dream of owning and if so why?
There are a few I really love, some just because of their beauty, like the Major Mitchell Cockatoo. I realize though, that it is fun to love them from a distance. I also am loving the Uncape Parrots we have here on Avian Avenue. Juggling time between our business, home, birds, dog, time to care for my fish, I realize though that another time demanding parrot would not be fair to those I have.
11.Please describe a typical day with you at home with your birds.
In the a.m., the first bird to be heard is my Male Redlegged Honeycreeper, Mr. Jeepers. The first hint of light and he will make a low Tssk sound. Next comes Kismet, he will usually begin to sing. I go into the birdroom and change out food, water, and paper lining the cages. Sometimes Gryphon or Holly assist with making their breakfast. Holly and Cochise spend as much time out of their cages as is available. I often come and go a couple times a day from our home, but I work from home, so they are out and playing most of the day. I also bring them to their playstand in the living area, and to my office which is in a spare bedroom. They get their fruits and veggies, etc. in the afternoon, and a water change usually then also. I go with the current outside light, as to when they are "in bed" or awake.
12. What have you learned about owning birds that you would like to share?
I have learned to research before any new addition. I have learned there is a wonderful community of bird lovers, and they are the best kind of people to have in your life. Patience, of course. Especially when dealing with birds that are rehomed to you. Some take lots of time, and need to work out how they adapt to life with you,without being pressured.
13. If you knew then what you know now about birds, what would you do differently?
I would not have clipped my birds previously, and I have learned a lot about better nutrition over the years. Research!!
14. What other hobbies do you have?
I have several aquariums, from a betta to planted tanks, fancy goldfish, and a reef aquarium we have had since 03'. I love to cook, and keep exotic houseplants like Bonsai, orchids and succulents.
15. Anything else you would like to share?
I love you all, and appreciate being chosen as Mayor! As mayor of the first month in 2011, I would like to pass on my positive outlook on life. Live for the day, seize the moment, let go of the past, and work towards a better tomorrow! And keep smiling.