Siesta Sanctuary calendars available

HARMONY — Would you prefer giving $20 to cleaning up after a parrot (or 65) for a year? If so, then consider a 2021 calendar from the non-profit Siesta Sanctuary.

Each month features one (or two) of our 65 parrots with large tack-sharp photographs and witty stories about the bird. As Maine’s largest parrot rescue organization, all birds have their unique story — where they’ve been and with whom. Some were rescued from bad homes, some tearfully dropped off by owners who’d loved them for years, some wild-caught and some hand raised.  

Different species live from 30 to 80 years, so most have outlived one or more previous owners. Their memories include singing Old McDonald, coyly asking “Are you talking to me?,” brightly chirping “What’s going on?,” and demanding “Whoa, will you quit?” Also repeated are assorted computer game noises and catcalls. Their owners’ voices are echoed in the soft coos, electronic voice boxes, young and old, male and female.  

Parrots are brightly colored, intelligent, and playful birds who need daily attention. They range in size from the big macaws seen on pirates’ shoulders to sparrow-size lovebirds. They prefer to flock together, forging new relationships by freely visiting others and their cages. The Sanctuary’s large, open bird rooms encourage this natural trait.  

Their parrots are African greys, Amazons, cockatiels, cockatoos, conures, eclectuses, Jardines, lovebirds, macaws, parakeets and Senegals. An emu, mynah, peacocks, chickens, and Guinea hens add to this avian zoo.  

Caring for these birds is a labor of love by Margaret and Fritz Buschmann, lifelong animal lovers. Siesta Sanctuary was established in 2006 to provide a permanent home for these endangered birds. It is not an adoption service but is a source for parrots, both wanted or available. Check Siesta’s Facebook page for current info or message them.  

Providing daily food, toys, and medical care to this active flock is expensive. Siesta Sanctuary is dependent 100 percent on donations and does not receive any town, state or federal assistance. Even though they receive free fruit and veggies from a local supermarket, the annual cost of seeds, nuts and popcorn alone is $16,000.  

Parrots also need daily stimulation through toys. With strong beaks, nimble tongues and sharp claws, they turn pine boards into shavings, cut through stout rope and even unscrew bolts holding cages together. Some volunteers make toys, but supplies are always needed.  

The parrots are fortunate that Margaret is an RN, so most medical care is done in-house. Her well-stocked infirmary just added an avian ICU that helps birds with breathing issues and seizures. Yet with such a large and active flock, many medical problems require veterinarian skills and equipment. This is very expensive, too.  

So save your time, let Siesta Sanctuary clean the parrot mess and just buy a calendar to support these remarkable birds. Add $3 for shipping and a mailing address on the SiestaSanctuary.org donation page. For more information contact 207-683-6322 or  info@siestasanctuary.org or write to 104 Brown Rd, Harmony ME 04942. The birds are grateful for your support!