First, I'm more than happy to report that I survived a week of both kids home and no summer school or camp - where's my medal? The week ended on a high and happy note for both kids - but especially for Alex. Today we got to pay a visit to his special 'bird friends' and of course their owner too. This isn't the first time I've blogged about his bird-friends, and hopefully won't be the last. Alex met Scarlett last July at a beach picnic.
I've always been a bit afraid of birds, especially large birds. I get nervous and just know that they are either going to poop on me or peck me in the face. However, given the magic between Alex and the birds - I'm willing to face my fear head on. He comes alive when he is around them and clearly enjoys their company.
First, we have Scarlett - with two "Ts". Scarlett is the prettiest bird ever with vibrant red and purple feathers. Bogart is a great big Macaw who is really noisy - even my NT daughter was covering her ears because he's that loud. Alex - who is sound sensitive... conveniently finds that Bogarts outbursts are hilarious. He'll cover his ears but laugh hysterically at the same time - obviously not too bothered by the loud noise. He also insists that his name is Gobart and not Bogart - I'm not one to argue with him about it. Scarlett and Gobart now have another friend, Timmy - a smaller grey parrot that is actually a girl. Surprisingly both kids gave Bogart pets and then Alex climbed into Jill's lap and got very cozy. This is a big deal for Alex, he doesn't do that unless he feels 'safe' and likes you... Check him out.. happy happy happy.. right down to him holding his mouth into a smile like he often does.
And on a cute, techy/geeky note... Alex has developed a friendship with the birds and one of his favorite things to do is write them letters. He does this really cool thing in Word when he writes to them and changes the color of the text to match whatever bird he is describing. While we were there I had him compose one 'on the spot'. 
What a great treat for all of us, but mostly for Alex to get to spend a few hours with the birds. Who needs therapy? Get a parrot. I'm almost tempted - yes, I'm nuts.
4 comments:
I think a Timneh African Gray (TAG) like Timi would be perfect for Alex when you guys decide it is time. They can have a large vocabulary, they are great mimics of sounds, and they are much more easygoing than their CAG (Congo African Grey) conterparts.
I also would recommend an Eclectus (like Scarlett or the green male version), but I'd recommend getting it as a baby so it was very used to interaction with children. They also have no issue with change, noise, etc. and they can talk up a storm. Scar is a very special case like I told you. We think children tormented her and she usually screams her head off for minutes straight whenever she sees a young child. They aren't all crabby like she is, but the poor girl has a rough history.
That is so creative how he types the comments in the bird's color! Wow!
Hi there! Just dropping in from Three Channels to say hi! Your son is adorable. The birds, well, let's say my feelings toward birds are very similar to yours! ;)
That is so neat that Alex has made such a special connection with the birds. Frog didn't really notice animals until recently. (Now he wants a dog). He did have an up close and personal experience with a peacock at the Zoo last year - I think the bird knew that Frog was "safe" to be around (unlike the little NT boy who then chased after it and tried to step on its tail feathers to stop it and get its attention!)
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