A parrot is visiting my bird feeder

[demnan]

I saw this bird today and it was so white, I knew it wasn't the normal wild bird around here in Virginia. (We get sparrows, blue jays and cardinals, mostly). I got a little closer and took a picture of this bird which you can see. It has to be a parrot, it looks like one that belonged to my former boss.

I'm really concerned. It's late November in Virginia and the nights are getting very cold, not the environment such a bird is used to. I don't know if I should contact someone, try to capture it, etc.

[alittlelark]

1. It is difficult to tell from the pic what type of bird it is

Given that you have not seen one wild in the area, it would be safe to assume it is not native. I would contact animal control for suggestions on trapping it. I have an idea, if you are stuck, PM me.

[AlienGirl]

2. I can't see the image very well

But if it is a parrot, try to catch it. Some parrots (Quaker parrots in particular) can live feral as far north as Chicago, but since this one seems to be travelling alone, he's probably someone's lost pet.

You can contact the Humane Society for info on live traps, as well as trying to lure the parrot closer by making friends with him.

If you do catch this bird, please take him to a vet to have him scanned for a microchip! If he's someone's lost pet, they will be glad to have him back. Also, look for a leg band--captive-hatched parrots usually have one.

Tucker

On edit: Can you describe its size, its general posture, and its feet? Does it have a crest?

[bahrbearian]

3. I had a parrot visiting me for a couple years,

he would sit up in my elderberry tree and call " Here Kitty Kitty" He had to have been someones pet, I never was able to get close and catch him. but he made it threw the winters fine.

[FM Arouet666]

4. Call animal control

They are probably better apt at catching the bird than you. Once they have the bird, you could then make arrangements to find it a new home. Parrots are expensive birds, I am sure someone would provide it a new home.

[AlienGirl]

5. And get it scanned for a chip...

[Lone_Star_Dem]

6. I am going to second the idea of trapping it.

I had a cockatoo in a tree at my house a few years back. I lured it down with an apple. It ended up belonging to a neighbor a few doors down and had escaped during a cage cleaning.

[AlienGirl]

7. Here's an online trap store

http://www.cooperseeds.com/traps.php3?cat=birds

Though if the bird seems friendly and socialized to humans you might only have to approach him with a treat and an offer of "Step up."

Tucker

[Digit]

8. Even try calling to it and hold your finger out.

Call the papers to see if anyone is running a notice of an escaped bird. If the owner could be called, there might be more chance of it coming down.
I hope it gets rescued soon.

[demnan]

9. Parrot update

actually I haven't seen this bird since, but I am looking out for it. I will check the newspapers. I'm hoping now that the bird has gone home.