Sidehill Sitters

I have been volunteering at the Avalon Aviary for about 8 months, but this story comes from one of my early days.  I really wanted to learn more about parrots and was excited to help in any way possible.  One day the woman that was working with me decided to get out Moti, a Hyacinth macaw that belongs to the owner of the aviary, to have some playtime.  For anyone who has not spent a lot of time around parrots (most people) Hyacinth macaws are the largest of the large macaws.  This particular bird easily comes up to my knee when he is standing up.

After being out for a little while Moti proceeded to rip the window crank off of the wall (impressive in itself)  The staff member tried to get it away from him but Moti was hanging onto his fun new toy.  She was concerned abut him swallowing a smaller piece so she sent me down the hall to get a treat to trade him for the window crank.  I am halfway down the hall when I hear "Uh oh!"  I turn around and discover that Moti has decided I am a fun new toy to chase.  He has lowered himself to the ground and fanned his wings slightly and is running after me down the hall.  A little stunned, I stopped in the hall to watch him coming after me.  All I remember thinking is "Wow, this was not what I anticipated when I decided to volunteer.  I am being chased by a parrot the size of a toddler."  I stood there contemplating the bizarre situation until the woman gently encouraged me to continue on my quest for a nut: "Go, go!  Get a nut!"  I grinned, just another day in the world of animals!