Thank you so much for posting this!

No problem, Lisa! This question comes up a lot, usually asked by people who are understandably desparate, so I thought it would be good to put as much information as possible in one place.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

Also, consider using the media - local TV, radio, and newspapers. Newspapers will be happy to run a classified ad, TV and radio shows might be willing to put in a word for you as welll.

And of course you can post a notice to this web site. :-)

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

Nate:

I hate to have to tell you, but the bird that was found in Renton was not Fred's bird. When they checked the band numbers, they found out it was not the same bird. Too bad....So, there is still a grey lost in Seattle somewhere....darn anyway.

Thx

Thanks Mona. That's kind of sad, but kind of good - at least SOMEBODY'S bird got recovered.

One of the things that often gets stressed when discussing recovery on the freeflight list (most of these tips come from freeflight discussions by the way) is never letting the bird out of sight. If the bird decides to fly over the horizon that's hard to stop, but if you have to go inside for any reason, try to get someone to keep an eye on the bird for you. If you know exactly where the bird is, chances are that you'll recover it safely.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

If the bird is up in a tree, don't stand directly beneath it. Birds that don't get outside much will be much more comfortable flying down at a gentle angle rather than diving vertically. Also to try to get friends to watch the tree from different directions, to maintain visual contact if the bird flies off rather than coming down.

When birds are up high, it's very common for them to abort their first attempts at flying down. It takes practice for them to learn to slow down after building up lots of speed during the descent. Inexperienced flyers are also likely to try to descend slowly, but that takes lots of work, and exhaustion can drive them back into the trees for rest. Be ready for this kind of thing, and don't let it discourage you too much. Trying to fly down is still a good sign.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

Talk to the kids in your neighborhood, and post flyers at local schools (see if you can get a flyer posted in every classroom). Kids, especially younger kids, spend a lot more time outside than most adults, so they are in a good position to see your lost bird.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

Nate, i think somewhere in passing you mentioned having flyers already made up?

Are other things you can do in advance of the worst case scenario? Like: have a list of vets/pet stores/animal control to call (can be handed off to someone wanting to help)? An idea of the search area (twenty mile radius around)? News ads ready to go? i know if i lose one of my birds i would be grateful to have some of this stuff already researched/made up.

i've been in phone contact with Boman and it is so heartwrenching to hear how exhausted and alone he feels. It's nice to know i can offer to do some specific, useful things to help.

One number i would suggest adding to the list is any local wildlife rescue organization. Their folks are often in areas where a lost parrot might be hanging out, and are more attuned to birds in an given area in general - especially ones that don't belong there.

Yes, I think flyers are a great idea. I wasn't going to mention it again though until AFTER I make some for my own birds... Right now I'm in a sorta hypocritical position if I make that suggestion. :-)

I list of people and places to call is another good idea, and one I hadn't thought of before. A local Audobon society chapter would be a good idea as well, that will probably reach a lot of people who would recognize a wayward parrot.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

I lost an African Grey last year, I contacted vets, RSPCA, police, put notices up everywhere, got interviewwed by two local papers, front page with a photo of me and another african grey, with a £300 reward. Got 3 sightings, one of which I think was my bird, then nothing :-( Seems a lot get free - I think there are 4 around here of different types.

Some more preparation ideas...

Give you birds lots of time outside in your yard, so that if they do get out they won't be quite as afraid of the area and won't be completely lost the instant they get out. If the bird is familiar with and comfortable in your yard, the odds are better that they will stay close. This idea has been backed up with quite a bit of experience by people on the freeflight list.

Train your birds to come when called. If you keep your birds clipped, teach them to walk to you on cue. At least that way they will know what you mean when you're down there begging them to come back. If your birds are flighted, remember tha tindoor training is no guarantee, it does puts the odds in your favor.

Another preparation idea: record your bird's contact calls. Then you can walk around with a radio blasting those calls every now and then, and listen for a response. I've seen a couple of people ask for recordings when trying to get back their own birds, but I don't know of anyone who has actually used this... it's an interesting idea though.

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA

The calls are a good idea. I'll keep that in mind. But I think mine has now been taken in by someone else, or else died :-(

i was just reading these posts on lost birds. about 5 years ago my quaker got loose, it was near dusk so i was lucky there. he was flying about but would not come to me. as soon as it got darker he flew into a tree and would not respond to any of my calls.i couldn't see him anymore either. i was devistated. 1st thing the next morning before sunlight i went out to that spot i last saw him. i brought his favorite treat with me and started calling. as soon as it got light out he started responding, and flew to the tree i was under. but still wouldn't come all the way down. i had to climb part way up the tree before he would come close. as soon as he saw his treat he came right to me. if you lose your bird, get out there before light to call them and bring that favorite treat to help coax them. thx to animal house pet store in st pete fla for this advice. it wotked for me.

Don't forget to utilize web based services. There are a lot of sites where you can post lost or found pet birds. Of course the best place :) is my site because it's actually a map that shows your neighborhood. Check it out here

http://www.infosuperflyway.com/articles/lostparrot.php

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