"Before They Call I Will Answer, and While They Are Still Speaking, I Will Hear"
Two weeks ago I suddenly began wanting a parrot. I read and researched and decided that should the occasion ever arise (not forseeable), my choice would be an African gray, known for their sweet, fearful natures and extreme intelligence. No plans to get one, though, as they are rare and costly.
Last weekend while hosting a baby shower at my house, one of the guests commented on the cockatiel and I mentioned I had been thinking about parrots. She went on to tell me that her co-worker's son was walking in the park a mile from my house, heard a strange sound, then saw an odd gray bird sitting in a bush. The bird began talking, and the young man picked it up, put it in a bag, and brought it home.
So yeah, Lora's co-worker was fostering an unwanted African gray parrot at her house.
Meet Frederick, my very own.
85 comments:
Oh! He is so beautiful. He is very lucky to have you as his new Mom. :)
Anna, what a wonderful story and he is beautiful. I love that shade of grey. Sally
Praise the Lord! Enjoy your newest blessing. (o:
And isn't he a handsome fellow?!
Well, hello, Frederick
Oh, my gosh, my friend Cyndi has 2 of them. They imitate the phone, the microwave buzzer, dogfights, Cyndi, everything. ANYTHING you wanna know, I can find out for you. Once we were on the phone, and she left the room they were in and turned off the light. One said, "We're in the dark." They will often say the right thing at the right time!
That is one of the oddest "coincidences" I have ever heard of! Frederick is one very blessed bird!
How awazing is that!
WOW! Too bad for the previous owner who lost their prized pet!
Praise to the Lord. What a stunning instance of His providence. AND, what a beautiful bird. I'm a little awe-struck. I bet Felix is enthralled.
- Gilda
I love the way the Lord prepared your heart before Frederick came into your life. What a wonderful God we serve.
African Grey's are indeed beautiful birds and are wonderfully intelligent! My boyfriend's parents have one named Charlie: http://www.flickr.com/photos/misscaroliner/3148915367/
xoxo KB
Now, isn't that just like Him to go and do something like that! I love it when that happens! May you and Frederick enjoy a long pleasant compaionship together.
He is beautiful!
I have never commented on your blog before but I had to this time. I have an African Gray. I've had him for 4 years. Got him as a baby,hand fed him his glop then he graduated to seeds, veggies and fruits. He is my friend and has given us so many laughs and what company he is. I'm alone alot and he talks to me so sweet. He calls me by name, asks if I want a cup of coffee. Does the whole phone bit from dialing the phone, all the beeps and rings then says Hi, How are you, oh really well bye now, then makes the noise of hanging up the phone. Oh what a joy they are.
Nell
Congratulations! Well, it may be safe for you to read all of "Wesley the Owl" now, seeing as you have your very own bird.
Amy F.
What a story! He is a very pretty bird. Parrots can be wonderful pets...especially if they are well-cared for. I did know one parrot who was rather skittish as his first owner had not been so kind to him, but I'm sure your Frederick will be well looked after.
~Bethany
talk about a loud and clear "just totally wanting to bless you" gift from God. yay...enjoy!
Wonderful! My mother was adopted by a tame green parrot. It came to her window every morning to be fed. He was a great companion when she really needed one and then disappeared as suddenly as he had arrived.
What a beautiful blessing - not so much Frederick himself (although he is indeed beautiful) but the answering - or, as someone said, the preparing. Who did God respond to there, you or the parrot?
Congratulations! What a sweetheart he is!
I have a question: can parrots be microchipped like dogs and cats in case they escape?
Very exciting. What does the cockatiel think?
AWW. He's Beautiful Anna.
~MaryAnne
Anna,
What a sweet story and your new friend is beautiful. He is blessed to be a part of your clan.
Peace.
I hope you enjoy a long friendship. Learn about parrot fever. My uncle, a bird lover like you, contracted this debilitating condition. He had many bird over his lifetime including parrots and chickens.
He's so beautiful! I had an African Grey many years ago named Parker. Now I have a one year old Umbrella Cockatoo named Rocco. I love parrots! Yours is a beauty!
God works in amazing ways, doesn't HE?!
My MIL has an African grey named Manu (it means "bird" in Hawaiian). While she lived with us for 2 years, Manu was by a large window in my kitchen (the most central place in the house). It was really fun to have him here, and now that she's moved, I miss them both dearly. ;-) He and I used to whistle songs together.
I love when God answers something like that. What a gracious gift!
thank you for taking the time to testify of the Lord's love and provision for you. It has blessed us.
be sure to keep us updated on Fredrick! :)
Anna,
This past fall we got an African Grey, her name is Sweetie.She is now 8 months old.We love her. She enjoys whistling and is learning to talk.Lately if she hears water running she comes over thinking it is bath time.We have her cage and also a stand that we bring into whatever room we are in. She loves to be part of the family.
Barb in Nebraska
LOL - welcome, Frederick! What a wonderful surprise!
What a heartwarming story! My sister has an African Grey. He imitates everyone in the household including all the pets and the phone. He is a very loved member of their family! I know yours will be too. Felix must be tickled!
how beautiful !! what a happy coincidence ! Welcome Frederick. hope you make your new family very happy.
You are beyond fortunate! I have been wanting an African Grey since my childhood (and I am 45!), and I just cant foresee having one (Just the cost--there are always needs and a parrot only qualifies as a want). Please be cautious about open windows and ceiling fans!
absolutely wonderful!
yes, i believe there are no such things as coincidences- only "God-incindences"....
ugh, i really don't like when i misspell in my comments! sorry about that. especially when the word i misspell isn't really a word, just a made-up one.
"God"-incidence is what i meant.
have a good day!
How wonderful! I hope he is an enjoyment to your family.
OH my! What a cool blessing...Now, will you post on his personality? I feel bad for the guy since he obviously escaped from somewhere...his great fortune is to have found YOU!
He is VERY handsome!
http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/2008/10/meet-niko.html
Here is a pic of our Grey, we love him! Congratulations, your house is in for some changes...LOL!
How sweet! What does he say???
Aww, Congratulations! Birds are great pets. Messy ones, but great fun for the whole family. Enjoy. Congratulations lucky Frederick on your new family.
I just love it the way the Lord is already working to meet our needs and desires - even before we know we need it or want it. He's done it for me so many times I can't count them.
What a beautiful addition to your home. I hope you will share more about him in the future.
~Adrienne~
That is so crazy! What a beautiful bird he is--I bet Felix is just in heaven!!
Oh, Frederick. Love!
Wow. Just, Wow.
That's awesome! Great name, by the way...
You really must lead a charmed life, Anna!
Beautiful bird. Keep him happy and safe.
Frederick...a la "Pirates of Penzance"? Mabel--I mean Daisy--must be thrilled! :-)
GREAT story! What a gorgeous color. I'm also curious about his name!
You really should attempt to find his or her owner. Being a parrot owner myself, I know how heartbreaking it can be to loose a beloved feathered companion. Because this bird was obviously someone's pet, the owner is most likely searching for it. Please, please, please make every attempt to find it's owner.
Joining a parrot forum such as http://www.birdboard.com/ will provide you with a wealth of information on parrots.
Parrots are amazing animals that require special care including diet, grooming, housing, interaction, and training than that of other commonly kept pets. Please do your research as you can unknowningly harm these wonderful animals!
Anonymous, Frederick's foster family searched for his owners for five months. I consider him to be clear at this point, and don't want to advertise further for fear of getting an unscrupulous claim on him.
And we are very aware of his needs. We have successfully kept other birds, and know how to make sure that Frederick is happy and healthy!
Anna, this is very weird, but there was a parrot just like this one stolen from a rectory in the state I live in. They are still looking for him as far as I know with a reward offered. You can see the story here:
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/02/16/news/top/doc4999d2149fc58846810675.txt
You really should attempt to find his or her owner. Being a parrot owner myself, I know how heartbreaking it can be to loose a beloved feathered companion. Because this bird was obviously someone's pet, the owner is most likely searching for it. Please, please, please make every attempt to find it's owner.
Joining a parrot forum such as http://www.birdboard.com/ will provide you with a wealth of information on parrots.
Parrots are amazing animals that require special care including diet, grooming, housing, interaction, and training than that of other commonly kept pets. Please do your research as you can unknowningly harm these wonderful animals!
It is so pretty....how nice.
You really should attempt to find his or her owner. Being a parrot owner myself, I know how heartbreaking it can be to loose a beloved feathered companion. Because this bird was obviously someone's pet, the owner is most likely searching for it. Please, please, please make every attempt to find it's owner.
Joining a parrot forum such as http://www.birdboard.com/ will provide you with a wealth of information on parrots.
Parrots are amazing animals that require special care including diet, grooming, housing, interaction, and training than that of other commonly kept pets. Please do your research as you can unknowningly harm these wonderful animals!
I am so excited for you! From your heart to God's ears. I have little zebra finches, but I would love to have a talking bird that likes to be a pet. Congratulations.
http://www.911parrotalert.com/
There is a database for lost and found birds. If you and your friend's co-worker have not checked it yet, you really should.
Wow! That's pretty amazing! The Lord sure brings surprises, doesn't He?
He is charming Anna. We have friends who have a pair. Not only do they have a huge vocabulary, but they can imitate voices. The couple are often tricked into thinking one or the other has called them.
Have fun with him.
What a great reminder of how God works.
He is so pretty!
For those worried about Frederick's status as a lost bird, please be assured that he was reported to the appropriate data base months ago and no match has ever been made. It's a mystery to me where he came from, but it does seem clear that God directed him here.
And to those worried that he was an impulse acquisition, rest yourselves! Before I ever heard about him, I read everything I ccould find about parrot care. Felix, also, is a well-spring of information. Before we accepted him we evaluated with a hard eye our ability to care for him and our fitness as a family. It's a good match.
God is *so* GOOD!
Katie
He is a good match indeed! He's just gorgeous and what a wonderful story.
Thanks for sharing it.
He is beautiful Anna, and right where God wants him to be. Many blessing, tell Frederick hello.
How awesome is our God!
I can't think of a better family for a bird to find a home with!
Blessings!
He's Darling! I love the name too.
Just because it's been months DOES NOT IN ANYWAY MEAN THE OWNER IS NOT LONGING FOR ITS RETURN.
Join WWW.BIRDBOARD.COM
Check on there, post your area. Do not give details about "your bird".
And see if anyone has lost one IN YOUR AREA.
It's just worth it, I'm sure the owner will be more than likely to rebate you.
As much as you probably love the bird, someone loved him before you it's not fair, if you lost one of your beloved pets you'd want it's return even if it was years later.
Anonymous Concerned Reader,
It may be true that Frederick's owner would like to find him. However, this person has not attempted to find him using any of the national finding boards or forums, where his information has been sitting available. Neither have they used any of the local networks of pet stores or vets, who have all been on the lookout on his behalf ever since he showed up. There's not a lot more I can do for them that I can think of.
Now this story is hard to believe!!
But I would. Great!!!
Ms. Dale
Isn't it an amazing thing that the Creator of the Universe cares about what we care about? What a sweet little love note from Jesus for you. Enjoy.
I just wanted to mention to the Anonymous who keeps on talking about the former owners wanting this little fellow - yes, it might be possible, but bear strongly in mind that there are also bird owners who don't cope well once they actually have a bird and find out that it really isn't all about cute antics and the bird being able to converse with you. Some of these people aren't particularly fussy about how they get rid of the unfortunate animals. Sad to say, some people release them, stupidly thinking they can survive in "the wild". Others abandon them in cages in front of pet shops. If the owners have not located Frederick by now, considering the efforts made by his foster carers, they are not looking for him.
How do I know? I'm the proud owner of a rescued cockatoo whose owners were deliberately allowing their children to torture him to death by tearing out his feathers and putting him on the ceiling fan and then turning it on high so they could watch him fly off into the wall. Why? Because he screamed (that goes with owning a cocky) and because the kids thought it was funny. Thank God he was removed from that home, and came to live with me. Tragically, to this day, he will only let me touch his head, even after nine years of unconditional love and attention. He was that badly damaged, physically and emotionally. I also have a little zebra finch hen who almost lost her life after being "returned to the wild" by owners who were tired of taking care of their birds. All her cage-mates were torn apart by the roaming neighbourhood cats within minutes of being "released" from their safe cage. I happened upon the "free the finches" operation in time to save the one little girl who hadn't flown out of the cage yet.
To some people, the cost of the bird, and the sovereign value of a life, mean nothing if they find it isn't the pet they thought it would be. Some ex-bird owners just want to be rid of the bird. They won't check databases or respond to "found" ads.
Anna and her family are good people, cluey about birds, and will give Frederick a wonderful home. Let it go.
wow, how exciting! I love African Greys...they are my favorite parrots as well. There are several amusing African grey videos on Birdtube...you should check them out. :-)
Now that is cool!
Isn't God Good?!?
What a wonderful gift from GOD!
Okay, now that's a miracle if I've heard one! Dreams really do come true!!!!!!!!
Amazing!! But then so is God and his goodness...
I admit I'm a little jealous. Do you know who Tasha Tudor was? She had african grays and pictures of her with her birds has made me want one too.
You were blessed!
Congratulations on your new addition to your family. Fredrick is very handsome. I have been reading your blog for over a year now and love it. Please stop by for a spell sometime at my blog. lovelyvintagecottagelife.blogspot.com. Also I just need to tell you that your new pink wool skirt is to die for! Beautiful.
Totally cool.
Lynn
They are the sweetest birds! My african grey parrot used to tell me when he wanted to kiss me, he was potty trained and would answer me in my husband's voice, wolf whistle out the window at people (hee hee), every sound imaginable.(He used to tell me daughters to go to their room) God really does give us about and beyond what we would think up or dream!!!
man that truly was a gift from God, i own 2 congo african greys myself and they are a wonderful breed of parrot. Goku and Hades are the loves of my life an they truly are like having a child. Good luck with your new feathered companion and God bless.
My great grandfather (whose name is Frederick) had an African Gray. He was around my entire childhood. He laughed just like my great grandmother.
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