Duck Love By its very nature, the phrase ‘duck love’ can have multiple meanings. So that we are all going in the right direction, this blog will refer to ducks ‘loving’ each other. Ducks as a family are highly successful. That is they can be found on every continent and major body of water. (Only [...]
The Feral Lovebirds of Phoenix
While in Phoenix, Arizona right smack in the heat of July of 2011, I lectured at the Arizona Seed Crackers Society meeting. I am always honored to be able to talk with club members about birds. My only hope is that I can add something to their understanding of birds. With a room full of [...]
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Bird Vasectomy and Castration
Yesterday, I vasectomized a peacock. The procedure itself was straightforward, but it was all of the discussion that followed that prompted me to write. In fact, a lot of the comments and questions were ones that I had heard before. So I thought I would take advantage of the time to discuss bird castration and [...]
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Testing for Avian Bornavirus
Regarding testing for avian bornavirus (ABV) and proventricular dilatation disease (PDD)….. While we do know that some genotypes of ABV can cause PDD, it is not the same as ‘ABV is the cause of PDD’. At this time, there are 7 recognized genotypes of ABV. Several people, including some researchers and especially labs, are clearly [...]
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The Painted Parrots of Mexico
The Painted Parrots of Mexico Ever since the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992, the illegal trade of parrot species into the United States has declined. Of course it still occurs, but we no longer see the mass movement of parrot species being brought into the US. Also gone are the days when quarantine stations [...]