| It's apparent
Christopher Driggins has a passion for birds from the moment you walk in his
door. His living room, dining room and
family room have been transformed into a haven for his vibrant collage of
avians.
Instead of sheetrock, the walls are lined
with warm, brown bamboo. Foliage fills the corners and collaborate branches
weave together around the ceiling's perimeter. Thick rope stretches from one
side of the living room to the other, offering places to perch and swing.
Bird cages, some as tall as 5 feet, sit side by side and fill almost every
available wall space.
"I've tried to mimic their natural
environment." Driggins said. "It's inspired by the Tikki Tikki room in
Disneyland."
As of mid February, Driggins was caring for
25 adult birds, two weanlings and two newborns. The timeline is important
since the head count changes frequently.
Some of the birds, which include Amazons,
Macaws, Conures, Parakeets, Cockatiels, Lorikeets, Cockatoos and African
Grays, were rescued from abusive situations, Driggins said. Others were
given up when their owners lost interest, didn't have the time or didn't
know how to deal with the birds. Many are available for adoption.
Driggins' love for birds is apparent. He
murmurs encouraging words to each, sharing affection and treats.
"Can we scratch?" he asks Sammy, a
65-year-old Lilac-Crowned Amazon. "You want an apple, right?"
"Give me a kiss," Driggins says after
introducing Caesar, a Goffin Cockatoo he's had for 16 years. Caesar leans in
for a smooch. "God boy." praises Driggins.
Driggins acquires the birds in a variety of
ways; through word of mouth, since many know of his bird fascination; from
friends and veterinarians; from co-workers and customers; and from pet shops.
Their stories run the gamut.
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There's Rosita, an
Ecletus, who plucked out all her feathers except for the ruby-red ones
surrounding her head. She belonged to a
college student who kept her in his dorm, Driggins said. Despite her spot in
a high-traffic location, Rosita was essentially ignored until she started
pulling out her feathers. When she discovered it was a sure-fire way to get
attention, she soon stripped herself of her entire coat. Despite her sad
looking state, Rosita seems perfectly happy. Driggins said it will take
about a year and a half for the feathers to return.
Cocoa, a cross between a Lesser Crested
Cockatoo and a Goffin, also had a troubled past. Jealous of his owner's new
wife and abused by her children, Dodoa went into attack mode, breaking
through closed doors and attacking undefended toes.
Driggin said he has taught Cocoa to take his
aggressions out through dance. He picks the bird up, turns up the volume on
the stereo, and Cocoa begins to bob up and down, then sway side to side. A
hand on his back cushions Cocoa's deep, backward dips.
Virtually all of Driggins' spar time outside
his work at an area car dealership is spent with the birds. He strives to
give each 20 minutes of individualized attention daily, a task that can keep
him up late at night and get him out of bed early in the morning.
Except for the very large birds, all are free
flight. As soon as Driggins returns from work, the birds are out of their
cages. They perch on branches, visit their bird friends and keep a close eye
on Driggins. They're not shy about voicing their displeasure or demands for
attention.
"Some people are cat people, some are dog
people." Driggins said. "I'm just a bird person."
Driggins said he always welcomes charitable
donations for the care of the birds. Items such as bird cages, artificial
foliage, bowls and appropriate feeds are also appreciated. For more
information, contact Driggins at 360-BIRDMAN.
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