Congo African Grey "Zuse"

by Richard
(Warrenton, Virginia)

Lost & Found Grey - Aug.27,2007 - Warrenton, Virginia
On August 27, 2007 my wife was filling the bird feeders in the back yard. My 3 year old Congo "Zuse" was due to have his wings clipped and I miss judged his flight abilities. On this day he was purched on the feeder outback for about five minutes when he was startled and took flight. We searched for hours and eventually I saw him very high over the houses when he appeared to land in a small group of large trees. We sat out on the deck in the rear of the house he was very familiar with hoping he would return.

The next morning at daybreak I went to the group of trees and used my cellphone ring in an attempt to call him. He frequently made the same sound when it would ring. I was hoping for indication he was in the area. After I was ready to stop looking I heard a noise that I knew was him. He was purched about 15 feet in a small tree where he apparently spent the night. I attempted to talk him down but had to use a stick to put him into flight and my wife and I again lost sight of him. We searched the development and as I was returning to the house heard him say "hello!" I looked left and he was on the neighbor's driveway on the gound near the garage door. I approached slowly as I spoke to him. As I was near him I lowered my hand and said "step up" which he gladly complied. I then picked him up locking both of his "feet" with my thumbs gently and hurried home. I think he was very glad to see us and did not enjoy his outside experience at night.

I am very thankful as if he was any higher I don't know what I would have done to solve the situation and would have been sitting and waiting for as long as it took for him to move.

My wife and I are very thankful and will never make the same mistake again. We both are very lucky and appreciate the good furtune we have that he circled to an area near the house from blocks away. He must have watched us looking for him day and night from the branch he was on all night.

Zuse was quick to let us know how angry he was after he was returned to his cage. He did not want to be bothered until a few hours later and refused to eat. After seeing he ate some food and a bit of egg yoke, he then forgave us and asked to come out of his cage. I spent the next two hours before work talking to him.

For all those who have lost a grey, do not give up hope. Zuse is only 3yoa and knew where home was. I just don't think he knew the steps to return on his own. It was a very long afternoon and night. I don't think my wife or I slept well if any that night. I don't think "Zuse" did either.