It's been a crazy week and I've forgotten to write about this update. It's been a big deal for us this week. Remember recently how I posted that Winston is only comfortable hopping onto my forearm when I offer it to him? In this past week, he has begun to STEP onto my forearm - yep, one foot at a time!!

Man o' man I was so excited when he first did it, inside I was doing a little dance but on the outside I was keeping still as a board since he was on my arm He steps slowly and I can see him hesitate a little every time, but he did it! And he's done it every night the past few nights. He still hops, but I can see that he's trying to make the effort to step.

That's great Sarah! First Cleo, now Winston...it's been a day of great news so far!

Excellent Excellent! So happy to hear how he is now so trusting. I remember when Laker first stepped onto my hands without his perch - not even worried - it was quite the achievement.

I will hi-jack this thread a tad to say that Rio hopped on my shoulder the other night 2x's to get away from my son's attentions! Guess i was the safer bet. My son was disappointed but he could still laugh at the little Budgie hiding behind my head & taking tastes of my ears. [presently he's tasting my slipped feet. - oh that tickles!]

I'm very happy to hear Winston is truly settled. So what's next? Recall?


PSSSST! - right now the Budgies are taking over this forum!

That is such great news! It's so wonderful when you're able to make a big break through like that with them. Go Winston!!

Rio is settling in well too! I hope to do recall with Winston. He's not there yet. He'll fly to me for a treat ONLY if Jerry or Lulu is already on me eating the treat But I can tell when he'd like to fly to us, he stares at us and leans forward like he really wants to, but instead he just quivers his wings as if he's nervous about it. I'm sure it will come in time.

Very good Winston, quivering wings sounds like excitement, he just needs some courage.

You've come so far with Winston! Boy, did that bird ever luck out by coming home with you. I think there is nothing quite as good as when we realize we have earned a bird's trust -- it's always so humbling to me when that happens.

Good for Winston!!! It must be in the air. Of course, the difference is my Amazon air is a lil more volatile.
haha
Great job! Keep us posted.
Mark


Below is a post from Cleo:
"My dear Winston,
Don't overdo the arm stepping thing, it'll make em think you like em. I only step on Mr. Mark's arm to make him know I can, then go back to playing hard to get. I like to see him get frustrated...he makes funny faces.
He thinks I can't, but really I can and one day I will a lot..willingly! But for now, man, I'm holding out for the treats.
Winston, trust me on this one, ease off on the arm thing. In the end, you'll get more sweet potatoes.
Good luck,
Cleo"

Way to go Winston!!! Keep it up!!

Hurray for Winston and for you!!!! I've said this before but I'll say it again. You give me hope.
Budgies rock!!!!