I grew up in a navy family, so we moved often . One of the cool things about that was traveling abroad and living in Spain as a teenager . That’s where I developed my passion for birds. While in Spain, when I was just 14, I got a Ringneck D ove . She was very wild and wanted to be with the wild flock . The wild doves would come sit on her cage , as she lived on the balcony . So we decided to let her go! She was free as she should have been and always wanted to be .
When we moved back to the states and settled in the Seattle , Washington area I got my first parrot, a white Parakeet named T equila . She was beautiful and very friendly . I had her for many years. Of course that started my love and fascination with parrots. I then got a job at a pet store and I remember all the birds we’d get shipped in. They were wild caught back then . I remember a pair of Moluccan Cockatoos, they were the most stunning birds I had ever seen…I was in love!
My next bird was a cockatiel and then lovebirds, and then came the bigger birds . I had a yellow collared macaw once and had the unfortunate experience of losing him off my shoulder . Even though he was clipped! I got my dream bird in 1990 . Linus Bird was a Lutino Indian Ringneck. At that same time my little Hahn’s Macaw Honky Tonk also came home with me . I hand fe d both of them . Linus got his name because he had a blue towel I’d always put him in. Linus was with me until his passing at the age of 28. Honky is still with me .
Today I live with Pico, a Catalina Macaw, Honky my Hahn’s, Thumper , my Congo Grey, Prim my Green Cheek Conure and Lonesome Dove. I cared for a few other birds that now call The Oasis home . Two male Amazons, Ringo and Roy (who are bonded to each other) , and a little Ringneck Dove , Marley Moo. Ringo and Roy are typical male Amazons , preferring each other to people. It was in their best interest to have them join The Oasis flock. Marley Moo loves the space to fly in the Small Bird Aviary .
I learned of The Oasis back in 2008 through my veterinarian, Dr. Driggers. I started volunteering …I’m a welder so I helped out with the construction of some of the mini -flights. I learned what I could about the routine of the operation and started helping with animal care alongside the amazing staff . I knew this was the place for me . I love everything about The O asis …the staff, the birds and the guardian dogs. I am truly blessed to be part of something so very special and amazing. Thank you Oasis!