I've read this forum for a little bit now and have really enjoyed it. I figured it was time to register.
I've loved birds since I can remember. I shared my life for 9 years with a budgie named Jerri who was a soul mate and I still get emotional thinking about her even though it's been about 7 or 8 years since she passed. I know I'll see her again. I now have a 1.5 year old (approximately) female american budgie named Habanera who is as spicy as her peppery name-sake.
She's a strange one. She does enough weird things that I've jokingly asked her if she's autistic. Can birds be autistic? Somehow I doubt it. She's a pet store bird and was not hand fed.Our relationship did not start off on the right foot and she's currently more bonded to my boyfriend then me, but I'm working on changing that. Before, she wouldn't even stay on me...then she would stay on me, but only if her "favorite" wasn't there...and now she'll stay and play with me even if he's in the room... so baby steps and attention seem to be working. She's still a daddy's girl but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to "steal" her away from him.
She was supposed to be MY bird, darn it.I'm getting some kisses and preening and play-time so the future looks bright.
I love all birds, particularly parrots and especially budgies.
So much personality in such a tiny body. And there's a lot of satisfaction in having a small bird completely tame with absolute trust. We're working on it. 
