Long day yesterday and I feel sure I am buffeted by the prednisone boost I got on Monday. Used it to be max last night by zipping up to My Happy Place, Hampton Beach, with a friend and Kizzy. Wednesday nights are firework nights, and with a full moon, the sunset was too enticing to miss. I was not sure how Kizzy would react to fireworks -- would he try to fly if startled? In nearly 7 years has not managed to get off the ground, in fact, he’s never really tried. His wings are clipped a bit just in case, but generally if he’s scared he snuggles with me.
The last thing I wanted was a traumatized parrot, so I watched him closely for signs of stress. He was cool as a cuke the whole time. After walking the Boulevard for a short stretch, we grabbed some dinner (yea, the usual pizza slice) that Kiz ended up grabbing from me. He is my son. Then we sat on the beach and watched the sunset as best one could when one has a macaw on their shoulder and head. At one point he jumped off my head and landed in the sand -- that must have been so fun for him to land on such soft ground. We were met by a friend who lives up at Hampton, with his sweet wife and three gorgeous babies in tow. What a treat!
At fireworks time, I waited for an unpleasant reaction but was met with Kizzy turning his head to me and saying “Wow!” in his husky whisper. I couldn’t help but laugh. I employed positive reinforcement training to the max by cheering “Yay!” with each boom and giving him tons of hugs, and he seemed to really be having a good time. We then sat on the back stairs of the Casino for a bit before driving home, and just enjoyed the refreshing sea air. Just like when kids have enjoyed a day at the beach they are exhausted and sleepy in the back seat of the car on the way home, Kizzy was beyond tired on the way home .It was way past his bedtime, but I think it was worth it. Might have to do it again next week if the weather is nice! So great to spend time out and about with my boy. To know he clearly enjoyed it, too, makes it worth doing.
Summer 2016. Life’s too short to not take a macaw to the beach. Unless you are the Toby, in which case life is getting a little long. I think it is fair of me to say that as I am the one who has to clean up after the messy dude every day! Cheers.