I thought this was a great article for traveling with any of your pets, not just parrots!
TRAVELING BY AIR WITH BIRDS IN THE CABIN
After 9/11
by Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
(link from: http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww62eii.htm)
Since the horrible tragedies of September 11th, we have all been informed of the extra-ordinary but much needed changes in security regarding flying. For those of us who have the occasion to fly with our bird, these have certainly been interesting times. We all acknowledge the need for the searches and screenings and as someone who flies frequently, I applaud the extra vigilance. However, I have found, that unfortunately, many security personnel are unsure how to handle pets that are flying with their owners. I hope to offer some insight and tips on how to make your next flight with your pet as smooth and easy as possible for security personnel, owners and above all, the bird.
Booking Your Flight
Before you book your flight, make sure the airline you choose allows pets in the cabin. Not all airlines do and all of them have the restriction of the bird fitting underneath the seat in front of you. Others limit bird size to only cockatiel or smaller. FAA regulations allow for only two pets in the main cabin so you must make reservations for your bird with your airline. There will be a charge anywhere from $50-$100 each way which you will have to pay upon your check-in at the airport. Also, get a health certificate from your veterinarian no earlier than 10 days for your RETURN flight. Not all airlines require a health certificate but that may not matter if you are dealing with someone who is unaware of the policy. Best to be prepared just in case.
Preparing Your Bird
Buy an airline-approved under-the-seat carrier. The #100 Cabin Kennel is inexpensive, easy to clean and comes with either solid or wire top. It can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Get a small cage that comfortably holds your bird and fits inside the carrier. Be sure to include a perch and food and water cups. Do not cover the bottom of the cage or you may be required to remove your bird from the cage. Place a small bag of your bird's food and bottle of water inside but make sure there are no scissors, wire cutters or other sharp objects inside. Again, do not line the cage or carrier.
If possible, clip the bird's wings (not possible for people who exhibit birds). This is always good insurance under any conditions but even more so now. The day of the flight, feed and water the bird and then place it in the cage with food, millet, juicy fruits and an ice cube in the water cup (it will melt before you get on the plane, believe me).
What to Expect at the Airport
Get to the airport at least two hours prior to your flight; some places were requiring four hours so check with your airlines. You should confirm your flight before you leave for the airport and make sure to check any connecting flights. Some airlines have reinstated curbside check in for luggage but not all. And, if you are flying with your bird, you will have to check your luggage. The FAA has limited carry-on bags to one plus a "personal" item such as a purse, briefcase or lap top computer so your bird will count as your carry-on even though you are paying extra.
When you get to the counter, immediately inform them you have a pet, who has a reservation, and that you need to pay his expenses. Present your health certificate and confirmation number for the bird's reservations. Do not be surprised if the person behind the counter is unfamiliar on how to process the bird's "ticket" but remain calm and do not get frustrated. There are a lot of armed law enforcement and military in the airport and you do not want a misunderstanding to develop with anyone. Remain calm and wait patiently - eventually, things will be done and you will be on your way. Make sure you have both receipts - one that is kept for your records and one that should be stapled to your ticket. This proves you have paid for the bird and should be shown to security personnel if asked. It is often asked prior to boarding the plane as well. Also, keep your health certificate handy - sometimes airlines and/or security ask to see it.
When you approach the security screening areas, ask for a hand-search of your bird. Most airports have turned their x-ray machines up to the highest level and this may be harmful to your bird. Inform them you can remove the bird from the carrier for inspection. You will have to hand the carrier to security, walk through the metal detector (without setting it off) and comply with all other security procedures (turning on laptops, removing cell phones, etc.) Gather your belongings and immediately open the carrier and remove the cage with the bird inside. Hold it so all angles can be seen by security - they may ask that the empty carrier go through x-ray to make sure it does not have a false bottom. Again, this procedure can be difficult because there has been virtually no training among security personnel on how to inspect animals especially birds. Most assume you have a cat or small dog that can easily be removed. Be patient and show whatever papers they request - receipt from the airlines, health certificate, whatever. Do not get angry or act rudely - remain calm and if all else fails, ask to see a supervisor.
Once you have gone through security, you may be asked by airline personnel to see the receipt for the bird and/or the health certificate. This may also be done at subsequent plane changes so make sure they are kept handy.
Things have definitely changed with flying in America and it is much better for all of us. I am sure I am safer flying now than I was six months ago. However, until the security system can be uniform at all airports by trained and skilled people, things are going to be difficult. But it is something that we can be prepared for and adjust to so long as we use a little planning and a lot of understanding.
Tips For Flying With Birds
1. Make Reservations For Bird
2. Get Health Certificate
3. Use Cage in Carrier
4. No Paper or Substrate on Floor
5. Use Airline Approved Carrier
6. Arrive 2 Hours Before Flight
7. Pay for Bird & Obtain Receipt
8. Present Receipt/HC When Requested
9. Have Bird Hand Inspected
10. Remove Bird in Cage for Inspection
11. Remain Patient and Calm
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
NOBODY EVER TOLD ME ...by Lori Zywiciel
I had hints, I had advice, I had cautions, but nobody told me how owning birds would completely take over my life.
Nobody told me I'd become a bird store junky, standing at the checkout counter in bliss until half way home and then wondering just how long it would be before the Visa came in or husband asked for the check book to balance the account.
Nobody told me my husband would say, "I think you ought to stay away from the bird store. You seem to have lost all control". Hmmmm ... Me? How did this happen?
Nobody told me when I saw a particular cage for $595.00 I might think wow that IS a good deal. Or when someone mentioned a $4,000.00 cage I could see the reason some people might need a cage like that.
Nobody told me that I would be up at 7:00am on Sunday morning peeling yams and apples to cook so they would be added into a corn meal and wheat cereal mash.
Nobody told me I wouldn't mind when feeding that mash to my bird he would head shake his head with that mixture flying in every direction, on to my carpet, on to my clothes, on to my face.
Nobody told me how much money I would spend on food, how much of it I would buy and just how little my birds would like any of it.
Nobody mentioned that once you own birds you need an extra freezer in the garage.
Nobody told me that I would spend an hour standing with my hand on a tree branch watching for hawks so my bird could hang out in the sun and chew new buds.
Nobody told me I would be on the computer at all hours talking and reading about birds.
Nobody told me I would make friends I will never see and that I would worry about them and theirs as if family.
Nobody told me I would check my son's bed for old or damaged stuffed animals to give to the bird like that stuffed cat. He never really liked it and it is missing a leg anyway.
Nobody told me I would do two extra loads of laundry a week with bird towels and sheets. Nobody told me every morning I would put a sheet over my covers, litter my bed with weird wooden things, stuffed animals, leather pieces, apple slices and peanuts.
Nobody told me just how much he would squawk. Nobody told me I would come to hear differences in the tone and shrillness. Nobody told me I not only could tell the difference but would learn when to respond or that my husband would say it's okay, this is his good morning happy time he will settle down.
Nobody could have known that my husband would say, so he squawks it is less and less the kids will deal with it.
Nobody told me I could play with him like I do. That he would chase me and I would chase him. That he would be just as exuberant as a puppy.
Nobody told me my husband would rather snuggle with the bird in the morning than make his bagel.
Nobody told my husband would make an extra half a bagel to share with the birds.
Nobody could have convinced me that this same husband would agree to shower with the birds in the bathroom (for the steam) and then without urging, could be heard to play peek-a-boo while drying off.
Nobody told me how much I would sing out loud. Nobody could have guessed those songs would be golden oldies like You Are My Sunshine or songs from musicals.
Nobody told how excited I would get to come home after 6 hrs. and see seed thrown all over the place. Yea! He ate while I was gone.
Nobody told me that I would not resent vacuuming twice a day to clean up the mess he made while eating alone. Nobody told me how my heart would tighten when I got home today after being gone for six hours and took my squawking baby out.
Nobody told me how I would feel when sooo tired I put out a sheet on the floor, put toys all over, grabbed a pillow for me, lay down and my birdy only wanted to snuggle with me.
Nobody told me how it would feel to have a little bird body across your chest and neck, little head on your cheek. I was not told how soft his kisses would be or how warm his face was as he fell asleep on my cheek cooing softly.
Nobody told me how long I would lay there awake so he could sleep.
Everybody told me I would love him. Nobody could tell me how much.
Copyright © 2000 Lori Zywiciel. All rights reserved.
Email: zywiciel@earthlink.net
Nobody told me I'd become a bird store junky, standing at the checkout counter in bliss until half way home and then wondering just how long it would be before the Visa came in or husband asked for the check book to balance the account.
Nobody told me my husband would say, "I think you ought to stay away from the bird store. You seem to have lost all control". Hmmmm ... Me? How did this happen?
Nobody told me when I saw a particular cage for $595.00 I might think wow that IS a good deal. Or when someone mentioned a $4,000.00 cage I could see the reason some people might need a cage like that.
Nobody told me that I would be up at 7:00am on Sunday morning peeling yams and apples to cook so they would be added into a corn meal and wheat cereal mash.
Nobody told me I wouldn't mind when feeding that mash to my bird he would head shake his head with that mixture flying in every direction, on to my carpet, on to my clothes, on to my face.
Nobody told me how much money I would spend on food, how much of it I would buy and just how little my birds would like any of it.
Nobody mentioned that once you own birds you need an extra freezer in the garage.
Nobody told me that I would spend an hour standing with my hand on a tree branch watching for hawks so my bird could hang out in the sun and chew new buds.
Nobody told me I would be on the computer at all hours talking and reading about birds.
Nobody told me I would make friends I will never see and that I would worry about them and theirs as if family.
Nobody told me I would check my son's bed for old or damaged stuffed animals to give to the bird like that stuffed cat. He never really liked it and it is missing a leg anyway.
Nobody told me I would do two extra loads of laundry a week with bird towels and sheets. Nobody told me every morning I would put a sheet over my covers, litter my bed with weird wooden things, stuffed animals, leather pieces, apple slices and peanuts.
Nobody told me just how much he would squawk. Nobody told me I would come to hear differences in the tone and shrillness. Nobody told me I not only could tell the difference but would learn when to respond or that my husband would say it's okay, this is his good morning happy time he will settle down.
Nobody could have known that my husband would say, so he squawks it is less and less the kids will deal with it.
Nobody told me I could play with him like I do. That he would chase me and I would chase him. That he would be just as exuberant as a puppy.
Nobody told me my husband would rather snuggle with the bird in the morning than make his bagel.
Nobody told my husband would make an extra half a bagel to share with the birds.
Nobody could have convinced me that this same husband would agree to shower with the birds in the bathroom (for the steam) and then without urging, could be heard to play peek-a-boo while drying off.
Nobody told me how much I would sing out loud. Nobody could have guessed those songs would be golden oldies like You Are My Sunshine or songs from musicals.
Nobody told how excited I would get to come home after 6 hrs. and see seed thrown all over the place. Yea! He ate while I was gone.
Nobody told me that I would not resent vacuuming twice a day to clean up the mess he made while eating alone. Nobody told me how my heart would tighten when I got home today after being gone for six hours and took my squawking baby out.
Nobody told me how I would feel when sooo tired I put out a sheet on the floor, put toys all over, grabbed a pillow for me, lay down and my birdy only wanted to snuggle with me.
Nobody told me how it would feel to have a little bird body across your chest and neck, little head on your cheek. I was not told how soft his kisses would be or how warm his face was as he fell asleep on my cheek cooing softly.
Nobody told me how long I would lay there awake so he could sleep.
Everybody told me I would love him. Nobody could tell me how much.
Copyright © 2000 Lori Zywiciel. All rights reserved.
Email: zywiciel@earthlink.net
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Braddock Bay Raptor Research's Holiday for Hawks
Braddock Bay Raptor Research held a great event this past November 14th, 2010!
Ron Walker of Friends with Feathers, and Anne and Paul Schnell of Institute for Environmental Learning working in conjunction with Daena Ford and the volunteers of BBRR made it all possible!
A special surprise guest to the show: a Rough-legged Hawk! After being recorded and banded, he was brought over to the show, then was adopted by a wonderful family with two young boys!
Broad-winged Hawk
Harris Hawk, Bronson, the Socialite and life of the party!
Adorable little Kestrel
Peaches organized the craft vendor section, and it gave the public fun things to look through while trying to avoid the chilly, drizzly weather!
Amanda made conversation with her neighbour :D Pottery! Potterypotterypottery....
Peaches and Peaches' mommy threaten to give me the eggs!
The crocheted ribbon necklaces were really neat!
It was a long day for photographers, but it was gorgeous and full of amazing photographs to the very end! Even the sunsetting over the fall foliage didn't disappoint us! Please don't use any of these photographs without my consent, thank you! (The exception is BBRR!)
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