Exotic bird rescue event set at Concord Pets March 18

Celestial Wings: Delaware Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping parrots in need. The organization is currently foster-based, relying on dedicated caretakers who can take in unwanted and neglected parrots.

Celestial Wings will have a booth set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 18, at Concord Pets, 19287 Miller Road next to Weis supermarket, Rehoboth. Visitors can learn about parrots and their care, and how positive reinforcement training can build communication and help with behavior problems. Volunteers and foster parents will be available to answer questions.

Concord Pets is having its 17th Anniversary Celebration March 18, with contests, discounts, and other groups present on that day.

Fostering can be very rewarding, and Celestial Wings is in need of new caretakers. No prior bird experience is needed, as long as someone is willing to learn and can accommodate birds in their house. (No nonstick cookware is one big requirement, as this is highly and quickly toxic to birds.) Fosters can focus on small birds or select a specific species that best fits their interests.

Jazz and Coco are two cockatiels living with a family in Milton. Jazz is a senior cockatiel who survived a stroke many years ago, and Coco was found in the wild after a panicked flight into traffic. Coco's previous life is a mystery, as no one searched for her or tried to claim her. Unfortunately, this is all too common with unwanted parrots. Most birds are not physically or mentally able to survive in the wild. Jazz and Coco's foster family enjoys their antics, their songs, and their companionship.

Another foster home in Millsboro cares for four parakeets representing three species. Two Quaker or Monk Parakeets, Emily and Happy, enjoy laughing, chatting a few phrases, and learning tricks. The other two parakeets are Taz, a Budgerigar (commonly referred to as a parakeet) and Nay-Nay, a Bourke's Parakeet. Judy, their foster mom, loves the energy these birds have brought to her house.

Anyone interested in fostering a small or large parrot can visit the booth or contact CelestialWingsDE@gmail.com for more information.