Parakeet without a Home

Late Friday evening I heard an odd bird call coming from the side of our house. At first I thought it might be a juvenile grackle, but moments later Becky told me there was a "green bird" in the yard. The bird flew across the street and onto the roof of our neighbor's house, and eventually came to rest on the ground in front of us. I walked over to it, spoke in a calm voice, easily picked it up and brought it home. Well, it's a Monk Parakeet or Quaker Parakeet as they're called in caged bird circles. It has a leg-band "G&R 05."

This is an escapee, or more likely (I believe) an intentional release. I contacted the Dane County Humane Society and nobody has registered a lost bird for this species so far. I checked around the village for any "lost bird" posts/signs as well as checking our neighbors - nothing. I also checked several on-line "lost bird" databases and the newspaper. Next Saturday this bird may be up for adoption – Becky and I have already decided not to keep it. Technically, the owner of this bird has up to a year to legally claim it, but it would take some effort on their part if it's adopted.

Rather than turn it over to the Humane Society, we're leaning toward transferring the bird to Fine Feathered Friends Sanctuary, Inc. There it will be treated by a veterinarian to make sure it's in good health (it certainly appears to be perfectly fine) and be monitored for period of time, possibly even trained. There's no telling what this bird has been through before our capturing it and its behavior is a mixed bag (shows signs of aggression and gentleness toward humans). If it isn't adopted, it will become a permanent resident at the sanctuary – they do not euthanize birds. I like the idea of having it in the care of people who specialize with these types of birds and situations.

The whole experience is a mixed bag for me, too. At first we were tempted to keep it, but Becky and I don't feel like we have the time to dedicate to a bird like this. I feel sad someone may have intentionally released this now homeless bird, but I'm also glad that it is at least in protective care. The possibility that someone is looking for it makes me a little sad, too. If it is a loved pet that somehow accidentally escaped, I hope it can be reunited with its owner very soon.

Monk Parakeet image © 2007 Mike McDowell