Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

Over the Years � May 13: A Day of Feathers, Fortitude, and Full Circles
Some days just have a vibe. You wake up and instantly know it’s going to be one of those weird, busy, chaotic-but-somehow-perfect days. May 13 has always been like that for us at Ruffled Feathers. And it turns out�we�re in good company. This date has seen world-changing speeches, unlikely miracles, moments of madness, and milestones that mirror our own journey here at the sanctuary.
Let�s dive into some of those historic moments� and the wild, heartwarming ways our lives around here have paralleled them.

?? 1940 � Churchill�s �Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat� Speech
Winston Churchill addressed Parliament with his now-famous vow of sheer determination and sacrifice to face the brutal road ahead in WWII. He didn�t promise comfort. He promised a fight.
May 13, 2024: That same spirit echoed here last year. By the time I rolled out of bed, I already had 17 bird phone messages waiting. Emergencies don�t wait for a second cup of coffee. Our sanctuary runs on sacrifice, long hours, and an unshakable will to show up, even on the hard days. Like Churchill said�we�ve got grit and a flock to fight for.

? 1985 � MOVE Bombing in Philadelphia
A tragedy born of distrust and institutional failure, the MOVE bombing destroyed 61 homes and claimed 11 lives, becoming a dark stain on modern American history.
May 13, 2023: That year, we were overwhelmed with baby bird intakes�four just from behind a shutter. It was a reminder that so much damage happens quietly, behind walls and closed doors, and often the innocent pay the price. We stepped in to make sure these voiceless ones weren�t forgotten. Where others might see nuisance, we see a chance to rebuild�feather by feather.

?? 1981 � Assassination Attempt on Pope John Paul II
On this day, Pope John Paul II was shot in St. Peter�s Square. Miraculously, he survived�and chose to forgive his attacker.
May 13, 2022: That same day, we shared a post about birds sensing changes in the weather�nature�s own little prophets. It was also the day I laughed about getting more views than CNN. And yet, in the middle of the joking, there was a deep sense of responsibility. We work with animals who�ve been attacked, abandoned, or broken. And still, they trust again. That kind of forgiveness humbles me every time.

?? 1846 � The U.S. Declares War on Mexico
The Mexican-American War reshaped borders and lives, the start of decades of unrest and national transformation.
May 13, 2020: Stormy and Raylin engaged in a war of their own over a favorite toy. It might sound silly, but that little standoff reminded me how easily conflict arises when everyone�s fighting for comfort and space. That�s why each animal that joins our family gets their own room, toys, and a voice. Peace here isn�t just a goal�it�s policy.

? 1917 � The Apparition of Our Lady of F�tima
Three children in Portugal claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary, which later became one of the most famous Marian apparitions in Catholic tradition.
May 13, 2019: While we didn�t have divine visions, we did have a mother goose arrive, injured and in need. Misty sat at the window, watching hummingbirds dance like little miracles. The serenity of it all felt sacred in its own way. We�re no saints, but every time we help a wild soul heal, it feels like we�re witnessing something otherworldly.

? 1950 � Stevie Wonder is Born
One of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time, Stevie Wonder was born on May 13 and later redefined what it meant to persevere through adversity.
May 13, 2018: That day, Raylin had what we called a “crazy feather day,” and Kiki, not to be outdone, shoved his face into a bell and refused to stop ringing it. Despite our chaotic little choir, there was something poetic about it. Each bird here has their own rhythm�some soulful, some loud�but together, it�s music. Sometimes off-key� but always real.

? 1568 � Battle of Langside
Mary, Queen of Scots lost the battle that forced her to flee to England, sealing her fate.
May 13, 2017: That year, I lost my breakfast to a parrot. No epic battlefields involved, just me versus an overly ambitious cockatoo and a bowl of Malt-O-Meal. Miss Lilly found her way to a new bird room, and Kiki was still experimenting with the best ways to make the most noise in the smallest space. You could say we had our own royal drama here.

? A Day of Memories and Meaning
Each May 13 post over the past two decades carries a little thread that connects to a larger story�ours. We�ve grieved, celebrated, rebuilt, forgiven, endured, and laughed more than any one timeline should allow.
From baby birds in shutters to Raylin’s dramatic monologues, from Kiki�s war on bells to Frankie�s Gator driving lesson, we�ve shown up every year with feathers flying, hearts wide open, and stories that connect us to something bigger.
The world marks May 13 with stories of struggle, perseverance, and unexpected beauty. We do too.
And next year? I bet it�ll be something new, something weird, and something absolutely worth remembering. Like always.
Thanks for being part of the flock.
�Brad