Noel, the Christmas Conure

By Monica

December 22nd, 2001, a small family of three was preparing for Christmas day, the day that most everyone rejoiced in with presents and family together. Noises from TV and computer alike, as well as two girls playing with paper, were heard throughout. The occasional chirps of a few budgies and a cockatiel could be heard. The family peacefully went about their day when they unexpectedly heard a knock on the door. A woman stood there, eyes gleaming and with a smile on her face. She came to bring good tidings and a gift for the holiday season.

The woman, Robin, was welcomed in, as the gift was taken with gratitude. As Robin and the mother of the family had a small chat, Robin couldn't help but notice the budgies in the room. She was also introduced to the cockatiel, known as Casey. A thought struck her, and she asked the family if they'd like another bird. She told of a green and red bird, not quite sure if she was a red mask or a mitred, but that she had this bird for 5 years. Robin mentioned that she received the bird from an employee at a vet's office, since the first owners ferret had viciously attacked this little green and red bird, and they couldn't afford the vet bills to fix her up.

Although Robin more than welcomed this little red and green bird into her home, she had no real clue how to keep this little one happy. Noel, as she came to be known as, did befriend a cockatiel, the only other bird in the home. Their "friendship" ended once the tiel moved out of the home with an ex. Noel, not only misunderstood, bored, and lonely, hadn't much else to do but mutilate herself. Try as she might, Robin was no good at taming down this creature. With having to move into a smaller home, Robin knew that this could only make things worse for Noel, therefore that's where her decision came from, in finding her a new home.

And so of course, learning about Noel, the family accepted. Little did they know what they truly got themselves into. As they found out, not only did this bird know how to bite and scream, but she also mutilated herself. The biting was to be expected, however the screaming and mutilation was somewhat that of a surprise. Considering her conditions, a filthy cage, several Manzanita branches that Noel could not grip, all at the same level, and a rope toy that could only be reached if it was climbed to. Her diet, although included fresh foods, was based off of a sunflower seed mix.

It seemed like quite the pitiful day when she came into this families life. Casey, on the other hand, saw through Noel's 'dark hide', and wedged herself into the heart of this little conure. With help from Casey, and a lot of patience, the little girl, then 13, helped bring Noel around to trusting someone, enjoying kisses, and leaving the past behind. It was not an easy path for this young girl to undertake, let alone something she should have been handed, however strangely enough, they made it through.

Not only had Noel gained a best buddy, Casey, but she had gained some strength, a bit of confidence, and learned to trust in at least one person. The little girl, and Noel (said to be 9, but later suspected to be a bit closer to 11 then) formed a bond, although weak in physical contact, it held strong mentally. Together they grew, helping each other along the way.

Here I now sit telling you our story, 5 years down the path that we still travel. A lot has happened between now and then, and I can only tell you, that where once was a frightened and scared bird huddled up, now sits a more confident bird, that although cannot fly, has learned to trust again, and to love.

Noel is my love, and my special “Christmas Angel”! The name itself means ‘Christmas’ in French, and refers to the birth of Christ. Noel is indeed, in her own way, a ‘Christmas’ bird, after all, she was named after this very special holiday! Through all the good times and bad, I couldn't have asked for a better "Angel" to take part in this journey of life!