Owner's heartfelt plea for pet parrot Charlie

THE owner of an exotic parrot which escaped from home over a week ago has made a desperate appeal to help track it down.

Daniel MacDonald lives in Springpark, Thurso, and has been searching all over the town since his African Grey parrot, Charlie, disappeared last Tuesday night.

Mr MacDonald works for McConechy’s Tyre Services at Millbank and when he arrives home every day he cleans the bird’s cage and lets Charlie out to stretch his legs around the house.

“I opened the window a bit to let some air in and he flew out the window,” said Mr MacDonald. “I ran after him and last saw him heading towards Tesco but I lost him.

“I’ve been everywhere around the town looking for him in my spare time and have put posters all over the place. I’ve told all my friends and customers and the vets about it but no-one’s seen anything.”

Charlie is three years old and Mr MacDonald has had him since he was a chick.

Normally found in the rainforests of west and central Africa, African Greys are quite distinct with light and dark grey plumage and a red tail. Charlie also has a ring on his foot.

Experts regard them as one of the most intelligent birds in the world and their overall gentle nature and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets.

Mr MacDonald thinks Charlie’s survival all depends on whether he has found a food source. He normally eats tropical seed but could be feeding on seed from a wild bird seeder in the area.

“I’m also worried the likes of crows, seagulls and hawks might go for him so hopefully a member of the public will spot him and we can get him home soon.

“One of my friends phoned up the other day saying he’d found a carcass over by the youth club. I went over to look but I think it was a pigeon.”

Mr MacDonald said Charlie is a good speaker and is quite friendly although he pointed out sometimes parrots can be temperamental.

“If people see him I’d be grateful if they can try to catch him and get in touch with me as I simply want him back.

“I did have a parrot before but it died from a disease so I got Charlie and he cost me £1000.

“I’ve put some time and effort into him and I’m pretty broken about it all. Every spare minute of my time since last Tuesday I’ve been out looking for him.”

If anyone spots the bird, get in touch with Mr MacDonald on 07738175496.

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