What’s the squawk about? Beak n Wings fair will show off perks of parrots, other birds

The eye contact, the cooing, the preening.

These were signs Lisa Sopko-Fogarty of Paola knew well: It was “love at first sight” for Larry and Vie.

“Larry was immediately enamored with her,” said Sopko-Fogarty, recalling the day she introduced Larry to Vie. Larry looked Vie in the eye, pumped up his white feathers and rubbed his beak on her. Vie returned the nuzzling.

Larry and Vie are white ringneck doves, two of 16 birds that share a household with Sopko-Fogarty and her husband, Kevin.

The Paola couple are volunteers with Beak n Wings, a pet bird rescue and education organization in Lenexa. They adopted Vie at the organization’s annual Spring Bird Fair in 2015.

On Saturday, bird adoptions will again be part of the Spring Bird Fair at the Lenexa Community Center. Other highlights include a class on basic bird care and grooming of wings, nails and beaks for those who bring their birds.

The fair helps raise funds for pet birds cared for by Beak n Wings. Some 50 pet birds that were homeless, unwanted or abused are currently housed at the organization’s facility awaiting permanent homes.

“Donations, memberships, adoption fees and our fundraisers help pay veterinary bills, the rent on our facility and other expenses,” said Dean Tyson, president of the organization.

Adoption fees range from $2 to $750. For larger birds, a home visit and a training class are required before an adoption can be approved.

Since 2003, when Beak n Wings transitioned from a parrot club to a rescue and adoption organization, 2,098 birds have found homes through the rehabilitation efforts of Tyson and volunteers.

Allergies, marriage, divorce, a new baby and moving are all reasons Tyson has heard from those giving up pet birds.

Vie’s mate, Larry, was relinquished by a magician who no longer needed him as part of his magic act.

“We hate the bird” is another reason Tyson hears.

Most likely, those who say that haven’t done their research and have unrealistic expectations.

“These birds are a feathered animal that can live a human lifespan,” Tyson said.

Parrot owners need to prepare themselves for what could be lifelong companionship.

Parrots may live to be 70 to 80 years old. Other birds can live 20 to 40 years. Larry is 26 and Vie is estimated to be at least 10.

A bird acquired as a child’s pet may live long after the child has moved out.

That’s what happened to Bernie, a parrot that was dropped off at Beak n Wings last summer. When Bernie’s teenage owner left for college, the parents decided they didn’t want to care for their daughter’s pet.

Bernie was adopted by Nicole Whelan of Overland Park — and is now one of four birds in her household.

Though they live a long time, birds remain “eternal 2-year olds” in their need for a lot of attention, entertainment, toys and sleep, Whelan said.

Confining birds constantly to a cage is not recommended. But they must be supervised when they are allowed out.

Flying freely can lead to crashing, bodily harm and property destruction: “Just imagine a 2-year-old that can fly,” Whelan said.

Wings are sometimes clipped for control and safety — to slow down the flight.

Whelan and her daughter, Ellie, help out as volunteers, socializing, feeding and watering the birds, and cleaning the facility.

Understanding bird behavior is critical to caring for birds and enjoying their company.

Prospective owners need to realize what may seem like a bite, for example, could be a sign of affection from a bird. Birds may nibble on their owners as part of a grooming ritual.

Or they may use their beak as a third foot.

“They may pull themselves toward you with their beak,” Sopko-Fogarty said. “A bird may not realize it’s hurting you.”

At one time, she and her husband had as many as 60 pet birds. But finding a pet sitter for birds was challenging and caring for that many, confining.

Downsizing allowed the Paola couple more freedom and yet, they still enjoy all the perks of bird ownership.

Most bird owners tend to own more than one.

“They’re like potato chips — you can’t have just one,” Tyson explained.

Beak n Wings Spring Bird Fair will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak Street. Tickets: $7 adults; seniors and youth from 11 to 15 years old, $5; younger than 10, free. Tickets: www.beaknwings.org

This story was originally published February 8, 2020 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What’s the squawk about? Beak n Wings fair will show off perks of parrots, other birds."