09/03/2025
~ When Bonds Form ~ 💚💛
A story shared by Executive Director, Janet Trumbule
Beside a sunlit window, bright feathers gleam,
Two Amazons meet in a golden stream.
Barney sings his name, low and sweet,
Rango replies with a chatter, upbeat.
Curious eyes, a tilt of the head,
Feathers talking, and much is said.
Side by side they follow and play
Testing the waters in their gentle way.
Barney ruffles, a playful show,
Rango leans closer, voices glow.
Together they laugh in parrot song,
Discovering quickly they both belong.
From strangers perched a cage apart,
To flockmates bonded, heart to heart.
Barney and Rango, a joyful pair,
Finding friendship feathered and rare.
In an active room of my home lives Barney (Blue-fronted Amazon), an Oasis foster parrot haunted by his past. His small body bears the scars of human cruelty—pinioned wings and contorted feet make perching, and even walking, difficult. His heart carries a deep-seated distrust of people that no amount of kindness seems to pe*****te. He's found a measure of peace in his small foster flock, but keeps everyone—guardian and flockmates alike—at a distance. Yet, despite his pain, a vibrant spirit lives within him. He loves to sing, his voice a charming, off-key melody, and he dances with clumsy joy or dives beak-first into a Sockatoo, intent on its glorious destruction.
Across the room, a different kind of spirit resides in Rango (Yellow-naped Amazon). After being caught up in a seizure by authorities, his resilience to adversity and change was strong. This friendly and fun-loving Amazon has formed a close bond with me. While his “male Amazon temper” will flare at the sight of long, flowing hair—a simple ponytail will solve the issue—he is, for the most part, a laid-back and happy bird. He finds pure delight in exuberant play...hanging upside down, swinging from his toys, and playing on his back with an infectious energy.
For months, Barney and Rango lived in separate worlds, their paths occasionally crossing without any notable connection. There was no spark, no sign of the profound friendship that was to come.
Then, one evening recently, as they were both out playing, their paths finally converged. I watched, surprised and a little nervous, as they began to follow each other, communicating with a constant, gentle chatter. I knew the potential for conflict between two male Amazons, but something felt different. I gave them space, closely supervising their interaction. When the evening passed without incident, I allowed them time together the next night. Again, they wasted no time, their fondness for one another blossoming into an undeniable bond.
In the weeks that followed, a remarkable transformation occurred in Barney. A newfound joy for life began to shine in his eyes, a happiness not seen before. He does his best to keep up with his able-bodied friend, and Rango, in turn, seems to understand. He shows endless patience, allowing Barney the extra time he needs, always with a gentle kindness. To witness their friendship is a gift—a testament to the power of connection and the healing joy they bring each other.
