PARROT CONFIDENTIAL a film

The talk in Parrot Town lately has been the film by Allison Argo "Parrot Confidential". This film aired November 13th on PBS, Nature.  For what it was "Parrot Confidential" was a nice film. Then again I like anything to do with parrots. I was disappointed in the lack of  content and accuracy, but  how much content can be fit into 1 hour of filming. "Parrot Confidential" only touched the tip of the iceberg as the saying goes. There would need to be a weekly episode about parrots for at least a year to touch the many aspects and plight of parrots. I believe the films main focus was to raise awareness of the abused parrot in general.

As with many topics in the world there are different points of view, perspective and opinions. The film created a lot of discussion amongst the parrot community. Many emotions were stimulated. Sadness, anger, frustration to name a few. I would preferred to have seen both sides of the spectrum. The small barren cage, the dirty cage and the large clean cage or aviary with lots of enrichment and toys.

Maybe this documentary was to discourage people from getting that cute, funny, talking parrot on display at the local pet store. By the way, not all parrots talk. If you think about it, how many people outside the parrot community really saw this film. I doubt the numbers are real high. I think you have to be a bird person or animal rights person for "Parrot Confidential"  one film, to have been a high priority on the to do list. I'm sure if there was enough interest and money a weekly show displaying the many aspects, perspectives and opinions could be aired. Do enough people in the world really care? Probably not.

My single most important piece of advise on getting a parrot. Research, read and talk to people who have or have had parrots first. Do this before you buy or take one into your home. Make sure the whole family is in agreement.. Spread the word so when that impulse buy pops into someone's head they may remember hearing "RESEARCH FIRST".

As I stated earlier, in my opinion (and we all have one) "Parrot Confidential" was a well put together film for what it was. A peek into the parrot world. The abuse part. You may view the 58 minute film at the link provided below.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/parrot-confidential/parrot-confidential/8496/

RAPTOR HOUSE

I had the pleasure of attending a flight demo at Yakima Co-op's Fall Event a few Saturdays ago. All the activities were nicely presented. The fishing pond was a large stand up pool and the fish looked like trout. I'm choosing to focus on Raptor House since my interest is primarily birds. Participants and activities at the fall event were...

• Cabelas                     kids fishing pond
• Cozy Critter Pony Rides
• Yakima Audubon
• Raptor House
• Yakima Valley Rabbit Breeder's
• KXDD live broadcast
• Meals on Wheels for Pets kick-off
• birdhouse painting
• face painting

Raptor House Rehabilitation Center is located in Selah, Washington. Their mission, to preserve the earth's biological diversity and secure the future of bird species in their natural environment. Shannon & Marsha Dalan do this through education and raptor rehabilitation. This center is a 501 (c)(3) organization that was established in 1998. There is no state or federal funding. The center is run on public donations & volunteers.

The raptors in the demo consisted of Blackjack a Harris Hawk who Marsha (in the red shirt) is holding. A Red Tail Hawk. The Red Tail Hawk is a little larger then the Harris Hawk. Timber the Great Horned Owl. A Burrowing Owl and last but not least, Merlot the American Kestrel.

Educational programs are done throughout the year. During the summer months the educational birds can be seen on the last Saturday of the month from 10am-3pm. There is a $6.00 entrance fee. Schools, clubs & other organizations may reserve a time to tour the facility. The raptors are also available to appear at fairs, banquets, weddings & birthday parties.

To learn more about Raptor House visit the website at  http://www.raptorhouse.org/