Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. (MAARS) - Bird adoption, sanctuary, rescue, and care education services for parrots and other captive exotic 'pet' birds. News & Event

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Happy Landings

'Juvenile delinquent' Blue and Gold Macaw Apollo, who went home with Mark and Julie in November, sticks his tongue out for the camera. (Photo by Tina McCormick)

"Juvenile delinquent" Blue and Gold Macaw Apollo, who went home with Mark and Julie in November, sticks his tongue out for the camera.

Samantha, another strong-willed Blue and Gold Macaw, has selected Sheila and Scott, and she will soon be joining their flock. (Photo by Tina McCormick)

Samantha, another strong-willed Blue and Gold Macaw, has selected Sheila and Scott, and she will soon be joining their flock.

(Photos by Tina McCormick)

Two Macaws Go Home for the Holidays

by Jamie McCarthy, MAARS Volunteer & Training Director

Blue and Gold Macaw, Apollo, has moved in with long-time adopters and supporters, Mark and Julie. He is joining three other MAARS birds: Zac and Lady, Scarlet Macaws, and Oscar, an African Grey. Apollo is the very definition of a juvenile delinquent, and while at The Landing, he learned to fly and particularly enjoyed soaring across the small bird room to the window perch.

Apollo is an extrovert and likes nothing better than being the center of attention. Iif you do not pay attention to him, he will do whatever he can, from dancing and singing to pulling your hair to make sure you notice him. Mark was especially looking forward to having Apollo join their family because Apollo loves to wrestle and rough-house.

Apollo joined Mark and Julie's family just before Thanksgiving as part of the MAARS foster-to-adopt program, which gives families and flocks time to acclimate before final placements are made. According to Mark and Julie, it took awhile for Apollo to learn the house rules, but after some consistent enforcement and tutoring from Zac and Lady, Apollo now enjoys hanging out with the other birds on their tree stands and watching the dogs play.

Samantha, another Blue and Gold Macaw is going home with Scott and Sheila, MAARS Volunteers who also have a large flock of six birds (four from MAARS). Scott and Sheila have been working with Samantha for many months to establish a special relationship, and it is truly something to see.

When Scott takes a break from working on the shift to visit with Samantha she will literally wrap her wings around him in a big hug. When Sheila scratches Samantha's head, her eyes close and she leans her beak on Sheila's arm. And don't try to interfere with these special visits — Samantha has made it clear that the special attention she receives from Scott and Sheila at The Landing is returned with strong loyalty!

Samantha is so funny, opinionated, and expressive. Whatever she is feeling she lets you know. Luckily, Scott and Sheila have spent the time to get to know all of her different personalities and to understand her wants and needs. All this work before-hand should make Samantha's transition a smooth one.

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