Photo by Dave Location: Seattle, WA Pictured: Galah "Bandit"

I was asked to take a bird to a radio interview for the first time, and I was a bit confused until they told me it was going to be a webcast. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, and Dave and I went back and forth on which bird to bring with us. Since everyone had been asking where Bandit was on facebook we decided to bring him and he was super grateful to be chosen! And to be totally honest, the few days that followed the interview, there was a new look in his eyes of love and appreciation. I realized we don’t take Bandit as often on PR appearances... it’s almost always Jinx (my blue throat) or Bondi (female galah) and so the experience was genuinely new for him and fun. I gave him my utmost attention which was great for him, not as good as it could have been for the overall interview, though. At the end of the interview, I showed the camera man and photographer a bunch of tricks that Bandit does like the spin, wave, more talking on cue (saying his name), flight, and rolling over (everyone’s favorite) but it didn’t make the cut, I guess... Anyway, it made me think really seriously about putting all of Bandit’s vocabulary (aside from “I love you”) on cue once I have the time to focus on speech training. I’m really excited about it and have already thought about verbal cues like “name” so I can ask, “What’s your NAME?” and have him reply, “Bandit!” Of course, I will definitely blog about the progress I have with him and supply plenty of video as long as he doesn’t attack the camera first. I think Bandit had a talk with Rocko while I wasn’t around and told him all about his true hatred for the camera because Rocko also goes after cameras. And phones. And anything that takes your attention away from HIM. Hmm... I’m sensing some similarities. For the rest of the 48 days of the tour I hope to bring Bandit to some more PR appearances and also after the tour try more interviews over the radio with our birds too. Now I’ll be better prepared for what’s possible! To view Bandit's radio interview check out the video here; The Bob Rivers show with Galah Bandit.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.