Hi, Recently retire Bronx Zoo herpetologist, just joined

[Zoo Nanny]

That is one brave young man! At 5'3" I do have to admit that I am intimidated by the big cranes. Luckily the 2 girls in Providence I worked with were very friendly, but still unnerving when they would "preen" my jacket. I like that you advocate allowing birds to fledge prior to clipping. Cassie a little corella hen fledged on the vets suggestion. After attempting to slow her down I clipped her again and then the vet did a severe clip, 10 flights per wing. That clip lasted three days before she realized that working a little harder got her lift and she was flying again. Nothing prevented that girl from flying once she learned. I am a moderator on a cockatoo board and we are always so amazed at the numbers of people who assume that once clipped the birds are unable to fly. I know of so many people who have lost their birds while outdoors. A good wind or startle and the bird is off and gone. I've read now a couple of your articles in your bird blog. All very good, thank you.