[Birdtalk] New species of gull?

[John Morgan]

Steve,
A touching story of bird love. Something like your own I take it?
I had one fleeting bonding moment with a dazed female House Finch (from a window strike, sometime in the past two winters). Held her and kept her warm for 15 minutes as she recovered, then set her down on the edge of the feeder. A minute later I realized the danger I'd put her in as other aggressive Finches would come in for landings in that same spot....went back, and she allowed me to approach and pick her up again. Put her on a finger and raised her to higher branches. She then flew from my finger, as if to say "Thanks mate...I could've flown rather than let you pick me up again, but I trusted you this time. Don't tell the others."
John
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Steve Coleman 
  To: birdtalk ; John Morgan 
  Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 9:27 AM
  Subject: Re: [Birdtalk] New species of gull?


  I Live with an Umbrella Cockatoo that has ruled our home for the last three years. My late lab who died of old age last year knew better than mess with her. She used to pick up knives that were on the counter and deliberately drop them on him. She is an expert escape artist, and manipulator. I have gained a great respect for the intelligence of birds. Yes it is time for a sequel.  Let me share a story, even though it is fiction it is based on true daily events.


  Enjoy
  Steve
  A Cockatoo Night Before Christmas

   

  Twas the night before Christmas and all through the flights,
  Not a bird was stirring since I turned off the lights.
  Clean dishes were stacked by the freezer with care,
  So in the morning they would be filled with fresh fare.

  When back in the bird room there arose such a clatter
  I ran for the hall to see what was the matter
  I raced in their room and turned on the light
  Glancing first to my left and then to my right
  It was then that I noticed the now empty spot
  On the stand where the Cockatoo should be but was not!

  "Coquette is missing" I yelled to my spouse
  While I shuddered to think what she’d do to the house
  My fears were well founded, I soon had no doubt
  As I surveyed the bird room and things thrown about.
  Feeding doors had been opened, the dishes all tossed
  Bags were ripped open their contents all lost.
  The marauder unfastened from the cage tops each toy.
  Which she tossed at the occupants below with such joy.

  The other birds sulked as they viewed the whole mess.
  This Cockatoo had created for them such stress!
  I searched through the room, my frustration profound
  That little rascal simply wasn’t to be found!
  It was then that I noticed the Amazon staring
  Tico’s eyes flashed with anger I saw she was glaring
  Towards the side of the room at an overturned pail
  I followed her gaze and saw a flash of white tail

  Holding my breath I approached with great care
  Was it possible she could be hiding in there?
  I snatched up the bucket and the villain was exposed
  She knew she was busted and for a second she froze.
  Then with a Cockatoo shriek and scrambling of feet
  She raced for her play stand in hasty retreat
  I scolded her soundly as I trembled with rage
  Don't you dare come down or you’ll be locked in a cage!"

  She stared at me smugly cheeks puffed with contentment
  Her mission accomplished she ignored my resentment
  "I'll clean up tomorrow," I said aloud with a sigh
  As I walked toward the door Coquette said "I love you good night."
  As I turned with a grin I felt suddenly calm
  Her sweet little voice could act as a balm

  For along with her mischief, she brings love and fun
  It’s hard to stay angry despite what she’s done.
  My jangled nerves and life's hectic pace
  Had made me forget what was in my face
  I didn't need gifts, fancy stuff from the store
  I had all I needed, my birds and much more!

  My kids, my health and my spouse
  Everything that mattered was here in this house
  So Santa I thank you but I don't need a lot
  I'm learning to be grateful for all that I've got.
  If you come down my chimney to bring something new
  Just leave me some padlocks so I can lock up the 'Too!!






  >>> "John Morgan" <jmorgan480 at comcast.net> 9/25/2007 6:46 PM >>>

  It starts. Soon a quiet oceanfront town is overrun by crazed cheez-puff 
  snatching gulls. My wife claims to have gotten ornithophobia from Alfred 
  Hitchcock. Maybe it's time for a sequel. Climate change and worldwide 
  pollution taint a batch of chips, making them able to alter gull's DNA. Soon 
  people are dying from kamikaze gull strikes. Fear spreads and gulls are 
  trapped and taxed for their carbon footprints. Al Gore could be the new 
  Hitchcock?
  j

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Milt Moody" <miltonmoody at yahoo.com>
  To: "Bird Talk" <birdtalk at utahbirds.org>
  Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 1:45 PM
  Subject: [Birdtalk] New species of gull?


  > Pomera Fronce got an email from Steve Carr who passed on an interesting
  > Bird message going around the internet.
  >
  > Could this be a new species of gull?
  > http://utahbirds.org/featarts/2007/ShopliftingGull.htm
  >
  >
  >
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