Sean with macaws "Chew Chew" Catalina Macaw (left) and "Hammerhead" Greenwing Macaw (right)
VISITORS! Expect to see beautiful parrots.
WELCOME LEARNERS!
Prepare to be educated.
Storytelling happens daily 10 to 3. Parrot 101 is told by Nancy, Sean and others
WELCOME LEARNERS!
Prepare to be educated.
Storytelling happens daily 10 to 3. Parrot 101 is told by Nancy, Sean and others
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS FOR OUR FLOCK
Parrots are highly intelligent social animals. Most sit in enclosures all day with very little to do and suffer from boredom,
Born in capitivity they thrive on attention from humans. They ability to see and hear is superior to ours. They see more hues and see objects at a distance in greater detail than we came see. They are good listeners. They are vocal and have a language of their own. They listen to all sounds and can imitate what they hear. The majority of parrots love music some vocalize some dance. With your help our short (30 minute) interactive programs offer the parrots visual and audible enrichment and an opportunity to build trust.. You can help provide them an opportunity to learn the meaning of new words for objects and experiences, you can help me understand their preferences in music and books and when it comes to new words for objects and preference skill training when it comes to graphics and sound
see more hues than humans. Parrots love to be shown colorfully illustraed books with a preponderance of pictures and few woords, (childrens board books are ideal) board books with less words and and be read out loud to.books, Library summer began our reading program for kids and fids looking to increase their word and reading skills. Sats 10 to 3 children assisted by an adult. Checked out their favorite book from Library and comes across the street and read out loud to our parrots. It was so hugely succesful for all involved. It is planned to continue summer of 2023.
Parrots are highly intelligent social animals.
Are you interested in enriching our parrots lives when you visit?
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
This does not require a lot of your time (maybe 30 minutes).
Are you interested in enriching our parrots lives when you visit?
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
This does not require a lot of your time (maybe 30 minutes).
In essence you will become a short-term trainer. I am placing my trust in you when I offer this program.
I trust that we will all train the same way using my method without deviation. It is necessary for allof us to train the same way using the same verbal prompts, timing and other suggestions. Everyone needs to follow my simple instructions so as not to confuse the birds so that they can learn gain understanding which leads to trust. TRUST!
I trust that we will all train the same way using my method without deviation. It is necessary for allof us to train the same way using the same verbal prompts, timing and other suggestions. Everyone needs to follow my simple instructions so as not to confuse the birds so that they can learn gain understanding which leads to trust. TRUST!
Image created by artist Nancy Forrester and Dall-E-2 (artificial intelligence)
PROGRAM 1
PARROTS LOVE BOOKS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES COME READ CHILDRENS BOOKS OUTLOUD TO OUR PARROTS. WE SUPPLY THE BOOKS AND DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO DO IT |
PROGRAM 2
PARROTS LOVE MUSIC COME SING OR BRING A MUSICAL INSTRAMENT & PERFORM FOR OUR PARROTS OR PLAY YOUR FAVORITE SONGS VIA CELL PHONE FOR THEM |
PROGRAM 1
THE HISTORY OF OUR READING PROGRAM
Kudos to Jen Cunhz for the idea that parrot loves books.
Six years ago, I became aware of Jen Cunha's extraordinary work with parrots and her online presence at My Reading Pets and Parrot Kindergarten – Stop Guessing and Start Talking! I became a member of her Kindergarten – Stop Guessing and Start Talking! Group for two years and I have adapted what I learned about the use of books from Jen and group members to enrich our entire flock.
Nancy's Reading Program for KIDS AND FIDS was Initiated Summer 2023. IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS FOR ALL and is planned to resume this Summer of 2023 Benefits?
Kudos to Jen Cunhz for the idea that parrot loves books.
Six years ago, I became aware of Jen Cunha's extraordinary work with parrots and her online presence at My Reading Pets and Parrot Kindergarten – Stop Guessing and Start Talking! I became a member of her Kindergarten – Stop Guessing and Start Talking! Group for two years and I have adapted what I learned about the use of books from Jen and group members to enrich our entire flock.
Nancy's Reading Program for KIDS AND FIDS was Initiated Summer 2023. IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS FOR ALL and is planned to resume this Summer of 2023 Benefits?
Nacy Forrester's Secret Garden Summer Reading was held in conjunction with the Key West Library. (see poster below).
Parrots Love Books Program
Reading to Choochoo
Come read outload to our parrots. We provide instructions. We provide books or bring your own!
Board books are the best, Parrots love lots of illustrations, color and a few words!
Board books are the best, Parrots love lots of illustrations, color and a few words!
Instructions on how to read outload to our parrots. Distance yourself appropriately. Read outloud Calmly, Slowly, Animated. Parrots do not like quick movements, each birds comfort level differs when it comes to distance between yourself, book and the bird and cagre proximity 8 inches
Select a book, Select a bird, Walk towards a bird in a cage. Say HELLO to the bird using their name, their name is displayed on the cage. speaking words sparingly to parrots teaches the bird that
The hello greeting Hello teaches the bird tha he bginning of intersctionis the beginning of your interaction something as you approach and using their given name as you approach teaches them their name. Settle yourdlf yourslf about20 inches from the cage bars.Distance yourself appropriately Sit or stand when reading outload. Distance is important. How to gage a comfortable distance for yourself, the book and the bird
Present the closed book to the parrot. Hold it up and steady and say the word BOOK. This teaches the bird that the name of the object you are presenting is called BOOK
Proceed to read outloud, before turning each page be sure to show the bird the illustrations. Give the bird ample time to see the various pictures and color before turning to the next page. At the end of the reading, close the book and then say BYE BYE as you leave by stepping away Saying BYE BYE signals that your attention is over and you are leaving
Select a book, Select a bird, Walk towards a bird in a cage. Say HELLO to the bird using their name, their name is displayed on the cage. speaking words sparingly to parrots teaches the bird that
The hello greeting Hello teaches the bird tha he bginning of intersctionis the beginning of your interaction something as you approach and using their given name as you approach teaches them their name. Settle yourdlf yourslf about20 inches from the cage bars.Distance yourself appropriately Sit or stand when reading outload. Distance is important. How to gage a comfortable distance for yourself, the book and the bird
Present the closed book to the parrot. Hold it up and steady and say the word BOOK. This teaches the bird that the name of the object you are presenting is called BOOK
Proceed to read outloud, before turning each page be sure to show the bird the illustrations. Give the bird ample time to see the various pictures and color before turning to the next page. At the end of the reading, close the book and then say BYE BYE as you leave by stepping away Saying BYE BYE signals that your attention is over and you are leaving
Help us expose our parrots to all sorts of books. When that happens each bird will develope their own taste in books.
Read your favorite Book outloud to our parrots
1. Approach a parrot in a cage.
2. Say HELLO and call them by their name. Example (HELLO LUCY) their names are on their cages. This singles LUCY out iit lets him know it is his turn for attrntion and lets the other parrots know it is Lucys Turn.(This way of greeting the bird informs them that HELLO is the beginning or start of an activity, and it teaches them to know their name, singles them out from the other birds nearby.
3, Without speaking ascertain if the parrot seems interested in you and comfortable with the distance between you. Each parrot has different personal space requirements. If a parrot moves away from you, it may indicate fear or disinterest. If your body or the object you hold is too close, they may strike at the bars of the cage with their beak. This is aggression, they are defending their safe cage space letting you know that you are too close. If you move back several inches, it usually makes them comfortable and the striking stops. If they remain fearful, aggressive or disinterested leave that parrot and visit another one. We do not force our birds to participate if they do not want to. They are moody. This allows them the choice not to engage in something they may not be interested in.
Whatever the reason for leaving a bird Say BYE BYE and call them by name example BYE BYE LUCY. BYE BYE teaches them that you are leaving your visit your focus the activity is over. Hearing their name gain helps them to know their name
4. If a bird appears to be comfortable. Reveal your book to the parrot hold it still and say BOOK. this teaches the parrot that that object your are displaying is called BOOK
5 When reading, pause between turning each page and hold the book steady for a count to ten or enough time they can study the colors design and illustrations. If they seem particularly interested you can point at a color and picture with your finger, use a single word for the objects of interest like YELLOW or CAT or CHICKEN
6 Trainers OBSERVE your prrots behavior while you are reading. Birds communicate silently with different body postures, fluffy, sleek or raised feathers on head or wings raised, change of eye and or pupil shape, body movements,and a varirty of voca;lization etc.
7.Fill out the available form. We want to know your name, what book or books you read what parrot or parrots you read to and what behavoir you observed.
8. Your participation will help us determine each parrot's trust when interacting with strangers, how fast they learn the few word offered will help ur parrots discern their favorite BOOKS!
Read your favorite Book outloud to our parrots
1. Approach a parrot in a cage.
2. Say HELLO and call them by their name. Example (HELLO LUCY) their names are on their cages. This singles LUCY out iit lets him know it is his turn for attrntion and lets the other parrots know it is Lucys Turn.(This way of greeting the bird informs them that HELLO is the beginning or start of an activity, and it teaches them to know their name, singles them out from the other birds nearby.
3, Without speaking ascertain if the parrot seems interested in you and comfortable with the distance between you. Each parrot has different personal space requirements. If a parrot moves away from you, it may indicate fear or disinterest. If your body or the object you hold is too close, they may strike at the bars of the cage with their beak. This is aggression, they are defending their safe cage space letting you know that you are too close. If you move back several inches, it usually makes them comfortable and the striking stops. If they remain fearful, aggressive or disinterested leave that parrot and visit another one. We do not force our birds to participate if they do not want to. They are moody. This allows them the choice not to engage in something they may not be interested in.
Whatever the reason for leaving a bird Say BYE BYE and call them by name example BYE BYE LUCY. BYE BYE teaches them that you are leaving your visit your focus the activity is over. Hearing their name gain helps them to know their name
4. If a bird appears to be comfortable. Reveal your book to the parrot hold it still and say BOOK. this teaches the parrot that that object your are displaying is called BOOK
5 When reading, pause between turning each page and hold the book steady for a count to ten or enough time they can study the colors design and illustrations. If they seem particularly interested you can point at a color and picture with your finger, use a single word for the objects of interest like YELLOW or CAT or CHICKEN
6 Trainers OBSERVE your prrots behavior while you are reading. Birds communicate silently with different body postures, fluffy, sleek or raised feathers on head or wings raised, change of eye and or pupil shape, body movements,and a varirty of voca;lization etc.
7.Fill out the available form. We want to know your name, what book or books you read what parrot or parrots you read to and what behavoir you observed.
8. Your participation will help us determine each parrot's trust when interacting with strangers, how fast they learn the few word offered will help ur parrots discern their favorite BOOKS!
PROGRAM 2 PARROTS LOVE MUSIC
HISTORY OUR PARROTS HISTORY WTH MUSIC
PARROTS MUSIC They enjoy to vocalize and dance to music. Our parrots travel off property by bike, car, skateboard and arm to various venues around town since 1993. Our parrots have visited the music venues in Key West for thirty years. Blue Heaven, Salute on The Beach, Andies Canbana, Little Jazz Room, The Blue Macaw, Hogs Breath, Smokin Tuna, Sunset Pier, Schoener Warf Bar are particularly welcoming to our parrots. I've played different kinds of CD music via Boombox for them inside the building, now they have Tablets and TV playing music from Amazon and YouTube including the YouTube Parrot TV channels. Outside they pur used to cell phone music being played to them. In 1993 I started the Calling All Artists Program inviting local and traveling singers and musicians to come to the Secret Garden and sing and play live music for the parrots. see singers ( ) see musicians.( )
PROGRAM 2 PARROTS LOVE MUSIC
Parrots Love Music Programs
1. Off property live music venues for parrots
2. Calling all singers and musicians to perform for parrots at the Secret Garden,.
3. Visitors are invited to play their favorite music on cell phone to our parrots.
1. Off property live music venues for parrots
2. Calling all singers and musicians to perform for parrots at the Secret Garden,.
3. Visitors are invited to play their favorite music on cell phone to our parrots.
PROGRAM 1. Off property live music venues for parrots (see videos on YouTube)
PROGRAM 2. Calling all singers and musicians to perform for parrots at the Secret Garden.
(see videos YouTube)
(see videos YouTube)
Our friend Byron classical violinist playing for the parrots 2007
Calling all local and out of town singers and musicians, I initiated this program in 1993.
Come sing to the flock. Bring an instrument a guitar, flute, harmonica tuba and play for them. I would love to video your performance and add it to our channel on YouTube.
If you are planning to come, let me know a day ahead, so I can video your performance and add it to our YouTube channel.
See Singers YouTube
See Musicians YouTube
Come sing to the flock. Bring an instrument a guitar, flute, harmonica tuba and play for them. I would love to video your performance and add it to our channel on YouTube.
If you are planning to come, let me know a day ahead, so I can video your performance and add it to our YouTube channel.
See Singers YouTube
See Musicians YouTube
3. Visitors are invited to play their favorite music on cell phone to our parrots.
Beginning Valentines Day FEB. 14, 2023
Beginning Valentines Day FEB. 14, 2023
HISTORY Kudos to Jen Cunha who has introduced her parrots to all sorts of music early Barouche music, classical composers, dance music and other types. They are connoisseurs and have clear likes and dislikes.
Help us expose our parrots to all sorts of different music. When that happens each bird will develope their own taste in music.
HOW TO PLAY PHONE MUSIC FOR THE PARROTS
Play your favorite Music to our parrots with your Cell Phone
1. Approach a parrot in a cage
2. Say HELLO and call them by their name. Example (Hello Lucy) their names are on their cages. (This way of greeting the bird informs them that HELLO is the beginning of an activity, and it teaches them to know their name, it singles them out from the other birds nearby
3, Without speaking ascertain if the parrot seems interested in you and comfortable with the distance between you. Each parrot has different personal space requirements. If a parrot moves away from you, it may indicate fear or boredom. If your body or the object you hold is too close, they may strike at the bars of the cage with their beak. This is aggression, they are defending their safe space letting you know that you are too close. If you move back several inches, it usually makes them comfortable. If they remain fearful, aggressive
or bored leave and go another parrot. We do not force our bird to participate if they do not want to. This allows them preference not to engage in something they may not be interested in.
When Leaving a parrot Say BYE BYE and call them by name example BYE BYE LUCY. BYE BYE teaches them that you are leaving and the visit or activity is over. and reinforces their name.
4. If abird appears to be comfortable Reveal your cell phone to the parrot Hold it still and say PHONE. this teaches the Parrot that that object your are displaying is called PHONE.
5 Just before you click to play your favorite music your favorite Say MUSIC and let the music begin. they will learn that when they here the word music the sound will begin. (they perfer music with a moving video rather than sound track accompied by a still picture.
6 Observe their behavior to your favorite music. Birds communicate with different body postures, fluffy or sleek feathers on head or wings, change of eye shape, vocalizations, dance movements, etc.
7.We want to know what you observed so then fill out the form available.
8. Your participation will help us determine each parrots favorite music.
HOW TO PLAY PHONE MUSIC FOR THE PARROTS
Play your favorite Music to our parrots with your Cell Phone
1. Approach a parrot in a cage
2. Say HELLO and call them by their name. Example (Hello Lucy) their names are on their cages. (This way of greeting the bird informs them that HELLO is the beginning of an activity, and it teaches them to know their name, it singles them out from the other birds nearby
3, Without speaking ascertain if the parrot seems interested in you and comfortable with the distance between you. Each parrot has different personal space requirements. If a parrot moves away from you, it may indicate fear or boredom. If your body or the object you hold is too close, they may strike at the bars of the cage with their beak. This is aggression, they are defending their safe space letting you know that you are too close. If you move back several inches, it usually makes them comfortable. If they remain fearful, aggressive
or bored leave and go another parrot. We do not force our bird to participate if they do not want to. This allows them preference not to engage in something they may not be interested in.
When Leaving a parrot Say BYE BYE and call them by name example BYE BYE LUCY. BYE BYE teaches them that you are leaving and the visit or activity is over. and reinforces their name.
4. If abird appears to be comfortable Reveal your cell phone to the parrot Hold it still and say PHONE. this teaches the Parrot that that object your are displaying is called PHONE.
5 Just before you click to play your favorite music your favorite Say MUSIC and let the music begin. they will learn that when they here the word music the sound will begin. (they perfer music with a moving video rather than sound track accompied by a still picture.
6 Observe their behavior to your favorite music. Birds communicate with different body postures, fluffy or sleek feathers on head or wings, change of eye shape, vocalizations, dance movements, etc.
7.We want to know what you observed so then fill out the form available.
8. Your participation will help us determine each parrots favorite music.
Parrots are highly intelligent social animals. Most sit in enclosures all day with very little to do and suffer from boredom,
Born in capitivity thrive on attention from humans. They ability to see and hear is superior to ours. They see more hues and see objects at a distance in greater detail than we came see. They are good listeners. They are vocal and have a language of their own. They listen to all sounds and can imitate what they hear. The majority of parrots love music some vocalize some dance. With your help our short (30 minute) interactive programs offer the parrots visual and audible enrichment and an opportunity to build trust.. You can help provide them an opportunity to learn the meaning of new words for objects and experiences, you can help me understand their preferences in music and books and when it comes to new words for objects and preference skill training when it comes to graphics and sound
see more hues than humans. Parrots love to be shown colorfully illustraed books with a preponderance of pictures and few woords, (childrens board books are ideal) board books with less words and and be read out loud to.books, Library summer began our reading program for kids and fids looking to increase their word and reading skills. Sats 10 to 3 children assisted by an adult. Checked out their favorite book from Library and comes across the street and read out loud to our parrots. It was so hugely succesful for all involved. It is planned to continue summer of 2023.
Born in capitivity thrive on attention from humans. They ability to see and hear is superior to ours. They see more hues and see objects at a distance in greater detail than we came see. They are good listeners. They are vocal and have a language of their own. They listen to all sounds and can imitate what they hear. The majority of parrots love music some vocalize some dance. With your help our short (30 minute) interactive programs offer the parrots visual and audible enrichment and an opportunity to build trust.. You can help provide them an opportunity to learn the meaning of new words for objects and experiences, you can help me understand their preferences in music and books and when it comes to new words for objects and preference skill training when it comes to graphics and sound
see more hues than humans. Parrots love to be shown colorfully illustraed books with a preponderance of pictures and few woords, (childrens board books are ideal) board books with less words and and be read out loud to.books, Library summer began our reading program for kids and fids looking to increase their word and reading skills. Sats 10 to 3 children assisted by an adult. Checked out their favorite book from Library and comes across the street and read out loud to our parrots. It was so hugely succesful for all involved. It is planned to continue summer of 2023.