How my parrot taught me to listen with my eyes
Yesterday I thought everything was going fine. The sun was shining, I'd chopped up some fresh fruit, and I whistled a cheerful tune as I walked into the room.
But there he was. On his favorite perch. Quiet.
Feathers a little puffed up. Eyes fixed on me.
And I knew and felt immediately:
Ouch. There's a storm in the air. And it has beak power.
My parrot, Siqourney, who normally always enthusiastically calls out "hello!" when I come in, doesn't say anything at all. Not a peep. Not a wiggle. Just... the look, so to speak.
And believe me… if you live with a parrot long enough, you know: that look says it all.
So I kept a safe distance and took another good look. Neck feathers raised like a mini-Mohawk, tail slightly spread, and that typical "don't do it today" attitude.
She wasn't in the mood for company. She's clearly setting the boundaries. And it's red.
To be honest: I often missed that in the past.
Then I'd absolutely want her to come and sit on my hand. Or I'd think: "Oh, you're just being tough."
And yes, she did. Snap.
Not bloody. More like a clear:
"How many times do I have to say I want to be left alone?"
I know better now.
A parrot doesn't just get angry.
That's not their default mode.
They communicate. Just not with words. But with their whole body.
They tell you all sorts of things, at least if you look closely.
A fixed gaze can be just as loud as a scream.
That beak that's softly creaking? Not a satisfied creaking today, no, a clear sign of irritation.
Pupils that zoom in and out like a camera with ADHD?
That's not a trick.
That's: I'm tense. Not for a while
(this happens with different emotions, by the way, so always look at the bigger picture.)
So what do you do...
I calmly walk away and leave her alone... Let her simmer, I'm patient.
I leave her piece of papaya on a saucer and just say softly:
You're right, girl. No cuddling today.
An hour later, she comes to me herself. Calm. Eyes clear. Beak gently tapping my hand.
No words needed.
Everything was fine again.
The moral of this story?
Your parrot really isn't a little monster. She just noticed something we're simply unaware of.
This lady is a sensitive, smart, beautiful animal who knows how to set boundaries perfectly.
We just have to learn to listen.
Not with our ears, but with our eyes.
And sometimes you do that by taking a step back. And oh yeah...
The next time she looks at you intently from her beloved perch,
make a cup of tea.
For yourself.
Because she doesn't feel like you right now.
Love, Malenthe
