Monday, March 28, 2011

Willow



50 comments:

NatureFootstep said...

seems to be a smart girl. :)

fairchildstreet said...

A lovely post. Thank you for sharing. Have you read the book Alex and Me. Alex is a Grey African Parrot. Such a beautiful story. Charmaine

Kat Sloma said...

What a wonderful story. I love how you've shared both sides of Willow's personality, as that's what makes her whole. It's not her feet at all!

minor said...

Very funny face and lovely eye! I want to teach the sentence to this parrot that "you are very affectionate". Of course, You mean Lisa.

Nancy said...

A guard parrot! Love it. Hope you son is okay. I had a cockatiel latch on to my finger one time, and it hurt like the dickens for some time.

Bless you for rescuing this lovely creature. :)

Dorian Susan said...

I love this post. I know nothing about parrots. Willow is a total character...a bit bossy I'd say, but in a cute way, yes? Pets are so dear, aren't they? How kind of you to rescue this little one. Sounds like she's in exactly the right place.

Lisa said...

What a beautiful, heartfelt story. I was new to your blog the first time I read a Willow post, and never understood the background circumstances. She is truly fortunate you found her. And it sounds like she is eternally grateful. Although she has a way of showing it that might not be appreciated by everyone! :-)

Linda R. said...

What a wonderful story. And I just love the photo of sweet little Willow.. I do hope you have a wonderful day..

Hugs, Linda

Louisiana Belle said...

Cool, cool, cool!! These birds are so smart and intuitive. What a treasure--nay--a blessing. Rescuing an animal forms a special bond; I've rescued several dogs and they all end up looking to you as their leader and protector. Nothing compares with that mutual feeling of love and respect.

Stacey Dawn said...

She's beautiful - and how cool that you rescued her!!!

gina said...

Lisa, I had no idea that a parrot could get so attached! The story of Willow is heartwarming....brava to you for saving her. Wonderful photo!

Charlene said...

She looks beautiful and healthy Lisa. That is wonderful that you have been able to help her transform.

Margaret said...

She is so FUN to read about. I forgot where I had read about Willow and my girls were asking about her a few weeks ago as we passed a cage of birds (not an African Grey). Can't wait to show them this post. Was this still taken with your i-phone? It looks quite clear if that is so!

I hope my photoshop version today is OK. I hesitate to put too many photos of my girls and younger son on the internet... I actually did think this was pretty cool - especially if you click on it and look at the larger version.

jocodeane said...

Hiya Lisa,
So funny. I hope you will not teach her sailor-talk :-)
How will she get on with the kitten you adopted?

Ady Xp said...

nice blog

go to my blog

Rosie said...

What a wonderful story, Lisa, and a beautiful photo! Your story, especially the part when she actually asks for her time-out :-) really made me laugh! Thanks so much for bringing joy into my day!

Sall's Country Life said...

Kudos for saving Willow, Lisa! Willow needs to read my posts about the geese and be grateful she's not one of them! Relax Willow, and be kind to the hand that feeds you. Thanks for hosting,I've submitted something a little different - tis the season!

Debora Parola said...

Willow is so cute!! I like it!!
Have a great week!

Pat said...

Willow is an adorable bird and appears to have an uncrushable, independent spirit. Beautiful story!

forgetmenot said...

Willow--what a cute name. So glad you rescued her, and yes, it is amazing what they can learn to do. Such a great shot of her. Love the covered bridge and the flower shots in the previous posts--you do such a great job of taking pics. Mickie

Kala said...

What a heart-warming story Lisa! Willow is a beautiful bird and she posed wonderfully for this shot!

Sweepy said...

Woof, Lisa!
What does Kitty say to this?
I hope Keeper does not see this because she loves birds as well! I get jealous too!

Anki said...

Nice story, you do'nt need to be alone.

Lui said...

That is so special, Lisa!
I love birds and I made several birdhouses for them around our garden. They are such wonderful creatures, much like dogs. ;-)

Linda Makiej said...

I love this story of Willow!! My daughter once had a cockatiel with a similar personality. But as long as we put popcorn on the shoulders of the 'visitors' to our house, he was well behaved and would not bite!! LOL

Helen said...

It sounds like you've got your handful with Willow, Lisa! :-D What a super portrait!

Chesney said...

OMGosh, I love this...the perspective is just awesome (makes her look like one of those twisted pets)! She makes me smile and I love her story!

Dutchbaby said...

Aaaw! What a good rescue mom you are! I hope your son is fully healed by now.

Homschlr4ever said...

wow, Lisa. Wonderful picture. My daughter Emma has wanted an African Grey for the longest time. I don't think our cats would be to amenable. They tolerate the dogs, terrorize the cavies and are just now expressing an interest in Ash, our two week old foster kitten. I keep telling her a bird would send them over the edge. The fact that they can't get to the blue jays and cardinals they watch from the window makes them batty enough

Simone said...

What a gorgeous capture and what a great story. I can not believe that in addition to being so sweet she can actually talk as well! So amazing!!

Indie.Tea said...

How lovely and loving and strong Willow sounds! ...But your poor son!

Kate said...

Well done! I love how pets and kids always surprise us with their amazing personalities...
=) K

Henrietta said...

I got Senegal parrot when I was age of 5 or 6. His name is Otto and he is still alive so he has living with us now for 35 years. When I left to study Otto stayed with my parents and still living with them. My mother bought him from her co-worker who had owned Otto for ten years so we know he is older than 45 years. He does not speak, I think he was too old when he come to us. I remember how I recorded 60 minutes c-cassette for repeating a few words when I was little but he didn't learned anything.
Have fun with Willow:)

Of Spring and Summer said...

Hi Lisa,
Loved reading your tales about little Willow. It sounds like she loves you very much. Take good care of her. She sounds precious!
All the best.
Love,
Ingrid xx

Elise said...

Lisa, as a bird mom (to a Moluccan cockatoo), I totally relate. It's a challenge to keep them socialized, so they don't keep all your friends and relations away from you!

Evelyn S. said...

Amazing Willow story! I'm a lover of cold-blooded creatures....not interested in the standard warm-blooded dogs and cats. A bird...that's another story. I've always been interested in watching birds--big and small--that live with humans.

Kristy said...

Lots of gorgeous creations here! I'm off to see them all!

Barbara Shallue said...

She is absolutely beautiful! Kudos to you for adopting her!

Terry said...

Good for Willow to have found a loving home! BTW, I have a 24 year-old Patagonian Conure, who was very sweet and cuddly when young, now mean! He screams when I am on the phone and still attempts to lay in those bites. The activity your described with your son, is exactly what my bird did to mine about 15 years ago! We have had him since a baby! Parrots are characters! Glad Willow found a happy "home."

A Box of Chocolates said...

what a funny little bird she is i laughed a the home antic, does she waddle off on her own to her cage? so sweet and pesky

Andrea said...

I'm so happy to hear she's doing well even so a little delinquent :) you're doing a great job with her. Looking forward to the next update x

sarayutouched said...

it is amazing what joy...emotions...these creatures bring to our lives. love the photo of her and your story!!

urban muser said...

that is a sweet story. willow is my beloved dog's name too!

bianca said...

Willow is such a pretty parrot, I love that she knows when she has been bad and goes to her home! So sweet :)

Lesley said...

I love this post, Lisa- Willow sounds like a great personality and hopefully she will bond with your son one day! :)

Tricia said...

She sounds so smart... amazing! I hope those anger management classes whip her into shape, too! heheheee!

altadenahiker said...

Oh, you had me laughing. I have a rescue cockatiel who is a mini-terrorist. They're just all id, aren't they, strutting, demanding, and preening like potentates.

tania palermo said...

LOL...oh my gosh...this was so great to read. I want from thinking, "Aw, sweet Willow"...to "Oh my!!"...lol.
You took me on a journey with your story... I have to say, I'd be a little afraid if Iwere your son... It's amazing how smart they are. ♥

Francesca said...

Grazie per i tuoi complimenti! Le tue foto dono molto belle... le mie invece :( Auguri per Willow!

Tammy said...

Awwww :)