Introduction

I intend for this blog to be about birds. I have two cockatiels: Audrey and Conner. I'm also developing birding as a hobby, so I will post pictures and discuss birds in Northern California.

Although this blog is for the birds, heh, I'm always disappointed when bloggers neglect to reveal a little about themselves first. I am 28. I live in Silicon Valley. I love science fiction, especially Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). I enjoy reading a variety of books, including books about diseases, philosophy, and the classics. I have had a lifelong obsession with birds.

Now for the main subjects.

Audrey turned 20 years old this spring, which is pretty impressive for a cockatiel. There are varying estimates, but typically cockatiels have a lifespan of 10-30 years. Audrey, however, will live forever.

He is cranky, he can be loving, and he always wants his head to be scratched.

My mother and I hand raised Audrey. He was named after the blood-sucking plant from Little Shop of Horrors. So, technically, he's Audrey II. The sex of cockatiels cannot be determined from plumage until after their first molt, which takes place 6-12 months after birth. Thus, we did not know Audrey was a boy until much later. Plus, I was eight and not very particular about names.

Conner turned two years old this spring. He is the sweetest cockatiel alive (to me), he is terrified of many things, and he contains an infinite amount of energy.

We got Conner as a companion for Audrey. I was finishing school and Audrey was about to be consistently left home alone all day for the first time in his life. I was determined not to get too attached to Conner because I wanted him to be completely dedicated to Audrey. But how can you not fall in love with that face?

Conner likes making noises. He sings to himself in the mirror, he mimics the ship noises on TNG, and he makes kissing sounds when he wants to get a human's attention. He especially loves singing in the shower and when I wash dishes. He can whistle parts of the 1812 Overture, Fur Elise, the Mexican Hat Song, and anything else I can think to teach him. He goes crazy when he hears the whistle from X-Files.

Conner adores Audrey. Audrey loves Conner deep down, but he's a cranky bird, so it doesn't always show. This relationship will be the subject of frequent blog posts.

This is my first blog, so please feel free to provide feedback in the comments section!