Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.
Where Hope Takes Flight
November 24 animal rescue history has a funny way of revealing itself in unexpected places. There’s something poetic about the fact that on this very date in 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species – a book that changed how we understand every living creature on this planet. And here I am in 2024, staring at a dog named Chunk who is literally the result of evolution happening in real-time in someone’s backyard.
That’s really what this whole story is – November 24 animal rescue history told through feathers, fur, and a dog named Chunk.His father is a fawn Boxer, his mother is a Springer Spaniel, and somewhere along the way genetics said “hold my beer” and created what I can only describe as a biological experiment with separation anxiety.
Darwin spent years observing finches in the Galápagos. I spend my days observing parrots who have figured out how to open their cage latches, steal my lunch, and then blame it on the cockatoo. Evolution is real, folks. These birds are getting smarter, and I’m getting more paranoid
November 24th, 1974 was the day anthropologist Donald Johanson discovered “Lucy” – the fossilized remains of an early human ancestor in Ethiopia. This 3.2-million-year-old lady proved that our species had been walking upright for a lot longer than anyone imagined. It changed everything we knew about human evolution. From ancient ancestors to modern parrots, November 24 animal rescue history keeps reminding me that evolution isn’t just something we study , it’s something we live.
So I did what any reasonable person would do: I started running around the beach like a complete fool so she could feel the wind in her feathers like she was flying. If Lucy could see me running in circles on that beach while a disabled parrot spread her wings and sang, I think she’d understand.
On this date in 1991, we lost Freddie Mercury. The legendary frontman of Queen, the man with the four-octave vocal range, the performer who could make 70,000 people clap in unison, died from complications of AIDS. He announced his diagnosis just one day before his passing. November 24th has never sounded quite the same since. Even loss, when viewed through November 24 animal rescue history, becomes part of a larger story about survival, adaptation, and heart.
That same year, the Toronto Argonauts won the Grey Cup, the Washington Redskins lost their undefeated streak to Dallas, and somewhere in Louisville, I was probably glued to the History Channel, because as I posted back in 2010: “I must be lame but I don’t think I could survive without the History Channel.”
Narrator: He was not lame. He just hadn’t discovered bird rescue yet.
Let’s talk about November 24th, 2018. A cold, rainy Saturday. The kind of day where normal people curl up with hot cocoa and a heartwarming holiday movie. But not me. No sir. I watched ONE Hallmark movie that morning and posted: “After watching one Hallmark movie this morning on this cold rainy day, I am ready to go shovel chicken crap rather than have to suffer through another one. I’d much rather work than endure this torture all day.”
That year, I was doing about 20 birds a day when it came time for nail trims. Any more than that and I lose focus – and trust me, you don’t want to lose focus when you’re holding sharp implements near a bird already plotting your demise.
Ruby was tagging along while I prepped for winter (still wasn’t ready, never am). Tara was posting about Kiki the screaming machine, and Elvis was hanging out on top of the TV – thank goodness I’d made a stand to protect it.
Meanwhile, across the world in 1932, the FBI Crime Lab had officially opened on this date. I’d like to think if they ever investigated our sanctuary, they’d find feathers, Harrison’s bird pellets, and the fingerprints of about 47 different parrots who definitely did NOT eat that entire bowl of fruit intended for someone else.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
That quote showed up in our feed on November 24th, 2017, attributed to Raptor the bird – though credit really goes to Mae West. On that same day, Stormy was having fun with his toy while “everyone else was plotting how to take it away from him.” Classic sanctuary politics.
The year 1917 had its own drama. On this date, nine Milwaukee police officers were killed by a bomb – the deadliest single-day loss for American police until September 11th. History has a way of rhyming in the most painful ways.
But back to 2017, where Rudy’s new favorite word was “no.” Tara noted: “He’s smart but I don’t think he knows what it means yet. He just randomly says no.” Honestly? That sounds like half the volunteers who show up for feeding duty.
Chase was awake but they were NOT participating in Black Friday. “That’s just crazy talk – he doesn’t even know what he wants for Christmas yet.” Neither did I, to be honest. I never do. Usually I just want the birds to not destroy anything expensive for 24 consecutive hours. That’s the dream.
November 24th, 2021. I’m working with the wild ones when suddenly – a Cooper’s hawk. Having a bad day. I posted: “How is your day going? Better than this little Cooper’s day I’ll bet. When I say I have lightning fast reflexes, I ain’t joking.” Look, when you handle thousands of animals a year, you develop certain skills. You learn to read body language. You anticipate chaos. And occasionally, you catch a raptor with reflexes that would make an MLB pitcher jealous.
On that same date, I also posted “What the heck is that thing?” – which honestly could be the title of my memoir. After decades of wildlife rescue, I still encounter creatures that make me stop and question everything I thought I knew about zoology.
Last year, November 24th landed right after Thanksgiving. I posted about being thankful for a LOT of things – especially Tara, who cooked dinner for the motel and houseless people in the area. “Which includes me,” I added.
We were all appreciative. These November 24th insights always remind me how rescue life can swing from chaos to wonder in a heartbeat. I’m thankful for my family, my friends, employees, volunteers, customers, and donors. I’m thankful for my animal family. No way I could show them all.
Instead of posting a million thankful photos, I shared a sweet bonding moment with a new arrival who was quite handicapped. That bird reminded me so much of Larry Bird – same gentleness, same patience, same way of making you feel like you’re the one being rescued instead of the other way around. Even Peaches was hovering nearby, waiting for his chance to make a move. Some things never change.
I keep coming back to 2016. It’s a thread that runs through November 24th like a heartbeat.
That year, on Thanksgiving, Sky wouldn’t let Tara sleep in. “Who could sleep with this staring at you?” Neiko was nervous about all the company, hiding in his snuggy. Chase was ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Pearl was quoting Douglas Adams: “Man had always assumed he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much… But dolphins had always believed they were more intelligent than man – for precisely the same reason.”
Margaret reminded everyone that “if your fids are anything like my flock, they prefer to play with anything apart from the toys they are supposed to.”
And then there was that night. “It is a good night to snuggle.” Simple. Perfect. The kind of post that doesn’t need embellishment because the truth of it is enough.
On this date in 2019, I posted about two birds who “have built up so much new courage since they got here. They both used to be terrified of everything, now together they run this place.”
I love this. I love watching frightened creatures discover that they’re actually braver than they ever knew. That’s the whole point of what we do here. We take the broken, the scared, the abandoned, and we give them time. Time and patience and really good Harrison’s pellets (thank you Harrison’s and My Safe Bird Store – you keep our birds’ bellies full).
Speaking of which – 2024’s November 24th featured a proper thank-you to them. These partnerships matter. When you’re handling 3,000 to 5,000 rescues a year, you can’t do it alone. You need the food suppliers, the volunteers, the community that shows up again and again.
You know what’s funny? I’ve posted about the Great Tinamou on November 24th in BOTH 2019 AND 2024. Same bird fact: “One of the most characteristic sounds of the South American rain forest is the…”
I like to think there’s someone out there who’s been following us for five years and every November 24th thinks: “Ah yes, it’s Tinamou Day.”
Some traditions are intentional. Some are just happy accidents. And some are a guy who genuinely finds tropical ground birds fascinating and doesn’t apologize for it.
Also recurring: Fish Owls. Did you know they typically swoop down to capture fish at or near the surface, but some actually wade into shallow water to fish? I’ve posted this fact multiple times on November 24th, and I stand by it.
There’s something delightful about an owl – apex predator of the night, silent hunter, symbol of wisdom – just… wading into a pond like a confused heron.
Evolution is weird, wonderful, and absolutely hilarious when you really look at it.
November 24th, 2015. I wrote: “After a hard horrible day yesterday, when I finally get home to my birds and let them out, Kiki climbed right out of his cage…”
I don’t remember what happened the day before. The post trails off, but I remember the feeling. That’s the thing about this work – some days break you. And then you come home, and a little feathered terrorist who spends most of his time screaming and demanding snuggles climbs out of his cage and reminds you why you do this.
Sweety had taken a bath and looked evil but was “actually being really sweet.” Magic was in love with my foot (but only if it had a sock on it – weirdo). Complex relationships indeed.
Fifteen years ago, I posted: “I must be lame but I don’t think I could survive without the History Channel.”
Little did 2010 Brad know that he would one day BE history. Not world-changing, Darwin-level history, but the kind that shows up in Facebook memories every November 24th. The kind where a sanctuary grows from a handful of parrots to thousands of rescues. The kind where a former firefighter finds a second calling in the chaos of feathers and fur.
So here we are. November 24th. The 328th day of the year. Thirty-seven days until it all resets. On this date, Darwin changed science. Lucy proved we’ve been walking upright for millions of years. Freddie Mercury proved legends don’t last forever. The FBI opened its crime lab. The Prius debuted in 1997, because even cars are evolving.
And at Ruffled Feathers? We trimmed nails. We shared educational posts about South American ground birds. We caught Cooper’s hawks with lightning reflexes and ran on beaches so disabled parrots could feel the wind. We snuggled, survived Hallmark movies, and declared chicken crap preferable. That’s the magic of “Over the Years.”
Brad
Do any of my dog friends out there have any ideas for chunk? Chunk is a "Boxspring"; his father is a fawn Boxer, and…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Sunday, November 24, 2024
Thank you Harrison’s & My Safe Bird Store for always making sure our birds have full bellies.
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2024
Birds of South America: Great Tinamou One of the most characteristic sounds of the South American rain forest is the…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2024
Fun Lunch Time Bird Facts: Fish Owls Fish-eating owls typically swoop down to capture fish at or near the surface of a…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2024
I’m thankful for a lot of things this thanksgiving. I’m thankful for my family especially Tara who cooked dinner for the motel and houseless people in the area. Which includes me. We were all so appreciative. I’m thankful for my friends, employees, volunteers, customers, and donators. I’m also thankful for my animal family. No way I can show them all. I’m so very blessed. I hope everyone got to spend thanksgiving with people who care. I have so many pictures of things I’m thankful for but instead I think I’ll just share a sweet bonding moment with a new arrival here who is quite handicapped. This bird reminds me so much of my Larry bird. Peaches even hovers over him/her just waiting on a chance to make his move. Have a wonderful evening and great thanksgiving everyone. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 23, 2023
Our friend shared this on her page and I stole her photos. This is great information. I preach this all the time. I love…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Wednesday, November 24, 2021
What the heck is that thing?
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, November 24, 2021
How is your day going? Better than this little cooper’s day I’ll bet. When I say I have lightning fast reflexes I ain’t joking. Lol
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Birds of South America: Great Tinamou One of the most characteristic sounds of the South American rain forest is the…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2019
Fun Lunch Time Bird Facts: Fish Owls Fish-eating owls typically swoop down to capture fish at or near the surface of a pond or lake, but some actually wade into shallow water to fish. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2019
These two have built up so much new courage since they got here. They both used to be terrified of everything now together they run this place. Lol we hope everyone enjoys their Sunday. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, November 24, 2019
I usually do about 20 birds a day when it comes time for nail trims around here. Anymore than that and I lose focus and…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, November 24, 2018
With a little luck we will soon be equipped to handle any bird that comes our way. Pigeons, ground birds, songbirds,…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, November 24, 2018
After watching one hallmark movie this morning on this cold rainy day I am ready to go shovel chicken crap rather than have to suffer Thru another one. I’d much rather work than endure this torture all day. Lol
Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, November 24, 2018
After watching one hallmark movie this morning on this cold rainy day I am ready to go shovel chicken crap rather than have to suffer Thru another one. I’d much rather work than endure this torture all day. Lol
Posted by Brad Harmon on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Birds of Africa: Scaly Ground Roller Madagascar makes up for its poor selection of true rollers with five colorful and…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
That sweet face and that fluffy belly. I just love my Pickles ❤️I’m pretty sure he loves me too…. I mean, thats what those bites are right? “Love bites?” LoL -Bethany
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Kiki loves to yell and carry on. He’s such a crazy boy! Take care! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Pollo was hanging out on top of his cage and as soon as I tried to take a picture he went back inside. Lol. He’s a funny boy. He likes to make kissy noises with me. Have a great night! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Elvis is hanging out on top of the tv today. Thank goodness Brad made a stand that protects the tv for the most part. We…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Ruby wants to tag along while I stay busy working around here getting ready for winter. It is almost here and I’m still never ready. lol have a great Saturday everyone. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, November 24, 2018
Birds of Southern Asia: Francolin A plump, stub-tailed creature, the Black Partridge or Francolin is a prized game-bird…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Raptor says “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” First said however by Mae West. We had a great…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Stormy having fun with his toy while everyone else was plotting how to take it away from him. Lol! Have a great night! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Stormy having fun with his toy while everyone else was plotting how to take it away from him. Lol! Have a great night! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Rudy's new favorite word is no! He's smart but I don't think he knows what it means yet. He just randomly says no. I must be saying no a lot lately. Lol Have a great night! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Saving the Rainforest: Changing the Future for Parrots and Birds Around the World. Post 7: On the Frontlines in…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Saving the Rainforest: Changing the Future for Parrots and Birds Around the World. Post 7: On the Frontlines in…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Kiki is getting some extra snuggles in with me.He isn't used to me being home at this time of day. Usually it's just Brad. Hope you are having a good day! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Good Morning everyone! Chase is awake but we are NOT participating in Black Friday. That's just crazy talk he doesn't even know what he wants for Christmas yet. Lol! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Friday, November 24, 2017
Birds of Eurasia: Capercaillie Few, if any, forest species can match the elaborate and impressive courtship displays…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thankful for warm sun on my feathers, a lovely walk-a-bout with my Mom, and a safe roosting spot at the end of the day…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
It is a good night to snuggle. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Larry and I had to takes break after running around on the beach. I've never seen Larry so happy before. I know she can't fly and she knows she can't fly plus she is to smart to even risk trying. Still she spread her wings in the wind and flapped like I have never seen her flap before. She was loving all that wind whipping thru her wings. So I decided to run around on the beach so she could feel like she was flying. She would put her wings out like she was gliding on the wind. She was singing and if a beak could smile I would swear hers had one. I probably looked like a fool running around on that beach but I really didn't care. Larry bird and I were in our own world together and didn't care what anybody else thought. The day was perfect and I really hope she remembers it forever because I know I will. Larry deserves the world after enduring all the pain she has in her life. I hope I help make life a little more bearable for her because she makes me appreciate life so much more every single day just by needing me. One of the many things I have in life to really be thankful for. Have a great evening and a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
I am thankful for these babies! I was never a "bird person" until Raylin my naked chicken was born.Then Stormy Grey (not…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Well we went from tropicbirds to the opposite!??! Can you name him?
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
All this company is making Neiko Nervous. Good thing he has his birrrrrdy snuggy to keep him safe. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! -Bethany
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
From my heart to yours ❤ Sherry
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Chase is ready for Thanksgiving dinner! What's your favorite food? -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Happy thanksgiving to you to my friends. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Backatcha Blu. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Pearl says “For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Sky is not letting me sleep in today. Who could sleep with this staring at you! Lol – Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
If your fids are anything like my flock they prefer to play with anything apart from the toys they are supposed to 😂 -Margaret
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, November 24, 2016
Birds of Eurasia: Willow Warbler The Willow Warbler is one of the first migrant songbirds to return to the forests of…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
We have complex relationships in this house. I love sweety, sweety loves magic, and magic loves my foot. Only if it has a sock on it though. Weirdo. Lol Of course we all love my wife. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Sweety took herself a bath and has an evil look on her face. She is actually being really sweet though. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
This bird has the dullest diet. Can you name it? This is also our post for the cover photo contest for the day. Just…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Today is just all topsy turvy. Have a fun afternoon. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
After a hard horrible day yesterday when I finally get home to my birds and let them out. Kiki climbed right out of his…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Good morning. Tuesday is a good day to get started with a cute picture of Stormy. Heck what am I talking about that's everyday. Lol have a great day everyone. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
This thing makes it hard to get anything done. Oh well I'm taking a break and gonna tickle this booger. Lol
Posted by Brad Harmon on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
I must b lame but I don't think I could survive without the history channel!
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Where Hope Takes Flight
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