Photo by Dave Location: Waynesboro, VA Hanging out on the deck w/me: Blue Fronted Amazon "Storm" & Pal "Dudditz"

I went to see Storm from July 6-9 and it was SUCH a fun trip! I surprised him and came and said hello out on the deck where his cage is for him (the white one in the background) where he gets lots of interaction in the morning when his owners drink their coffee and enjoy the morning. He loves being outside ever since trying out my aviaries in Florida so he has been moved out there for his pure enjoyment by his owners.

Storm is a freestyle flyer and became one in only 45 days! It was an amazing success story and even I can't believe how well he is doing. He, too, like Hymie, came home and made even MORE and FASTER progress. Storm prefers to do all his "training" with John, the male of the household, which I assume is because Dave did all the training with Storm since he refused with me. Storm will still eat absolutely ANYTHING you give him and is the healthiest eater of this particular client's birds. 

While visiting him, I realized from working with Hymie the hyacinth macaw and getting more chances to be around Storm and hear from his owner what he was showing signs of via his body language, that my own confidence as a bird trainer has really grown. The intimidation isn't there as much, and the worry of everything being perfect isn't there as much either. I've learned SO much from these birds I've taken on and I used to be so intimidated by both Storm and Hymie. I was actually less intimidated by a hyacinth macaw than I was by a blue fronted amazon... how does that work?!

Well, it was because I am used to reading macaw body language much more than Amazon body language. So the lack of communication between me and Storm created a barrier I was scared to cross. Now, however, I KNOW what Storm is telling me at all times and maybe I am off about 1% of the time like we all are... but it feels great to be with Storm now. I have no problem handling him and flying him by myself or with other people and he shows no aggression towards ANYONE which is just an amazing transformation to see. I think the sunlight is really sinking into his feathers and the joy of flying is in his spirit now! 

Speaking of which... we took the opportunity to fly Storm in the front yard (Jeannie and me).

Photo by Dave Location: Waynesboro, VA Shown: Amazon parrot "Storm" with me and Jeannie 

We actually, yet again (and as always with Storminator), had to end the flights outside because Storm would never end them! But we were worn out! Storm's landings were really great once he got into the speed of things again, but it all started with lots of face plants which were hilarious! I think secretly Storm was trying to get a laugh out of everyone since it worked the first time! 

Photo by Dave Location: Waynesboro, VA Face planted: Amazon "Storm" 

Storm had an amazing time flying in the yard with us and had his share of blueberries as his treat. It was so much fun I wish we could have stayed around longer to fly some more but it was a very short trip for us. Maybe next time!

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.