In the wild, no matter how many times one sees them, birds of the same species do not seem to display differing personalities. However, "pet" birds, in a myriad of ways, exhibit their own distinct personalities and should be respected and appreciated for not only WHAT they are but for WHO they are.

Even if they want to be, not everybody is ready or capable of being a bird "owner" due to a variety of factors. Here are my "birder's" dozen of reasons not to become a bird "owner."

Over the years, I have been taught by my birds that the most meaningful way to train them, er, I mean to be trained by them is through a philosophically-based technique that I call BIRD FOCUSED TRAINING.

Anthropomorphism is said to be the attribution of human characteristics, behavior or motivation to animals, inanimate objects or natural phenomena. Birds in captivity may exhibit certain of these "human" qualities. For my budgies, one of those qualities is LOYALTY to one another.

Proper "pet" bird care involves many critical factors including knowledge, skills, common bird sense, compassion, time, energy and resources. In the following interview, it is apparent that Connie Mistler Davidson is "a great bird person." I wish that could be said for everyone who "owns" birds.

Conures are very popular companion birds that originally come or came from the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. In the wild, they are never referred to as being conures, rather they are one of at least 105 species or subspecies of New World parrots/parakeets. What exactly is a conure?

Peach-Faced Lovebirds are one of the most popular "pet" birds in the world. In order to be as good as possible a caregiver for them, it is helpful, if not essential, to have an understandng and appreciation for what their lives are like in their natural surroundings in the wild.

Northern cardinals in Mexico are relatively common "pet" birds. In that country, as are all song birds, it is legal to have caged Northern cardinals. For two major reasons I decided to obtain and be a caregiver to one. Meet Rojee el Bandido, a very special sentient being.

"Pet" birds for their emotional and physical well-being can benefit greatly from many safe natural products, like perches and certain agricultural crops. For some of them, I go out into the hills and fields where I live in Mexico to obtain them free.

House finches are reputed to be the most widely dispersed songbird in North America. In the U.S, it is illegal to keep them in captivity, In Mexico, where it is legal, they are among the most popular "pet" birds. From what I have seen there, I wish that there weren't any housed house finches.