I have only been kept by birds for a little over three years. My first experience did not end well, as I lost my first bird Tucker (Cockatiel) after only three years. I have a house full of animals (dog, 2 cats, 2 gerbils, 2 boys), but could not stand to walk past an empty cage for more than a few months, so in stepped Merlin. Not knowing anything about birds three years ago, I figured I would start with a Cockatiel. Although it did not end well (still not sure what happened, he was fine in the morning and gone in the afternoon), I decided that with what I had learned I was ready for a new experience with a bird. And am I ever glad I got Merlin! He is so entertaining and interactive, and so eager to learn! He has already learned to turn, nod, shake, the bat, and we are working on showing off his wings right now.
I am still early in my learning about birds in general and MBC`s in particular, and I am anticipating that this forum will be a great place to learn and occasionally pass on tidbits of information I have managed to pick up. I am glad to have found you all and look forward to speaking with you about our feathered friends. I will post my avatar as soon as I get a decent picture of Merlin and me (provided he can sit still long enough).
(this is as close an image as you have available for a MBC)
(I can't get my bird to stay still long enough for a decent picture either 
)