Bird lovers welcome to attend Feather Fest

MIDDLETOWN >> For some bird owners, especially new ones, it is pretty hard to find quality supplies, advice, and information for your feathered friend in a mostly dog and cat world. If you can relate, or just love birds, you don’t want to miss the Connecticut Parrot Society’s (CPS) 10th annual Featherfest on Saturday, March 25.

Featherfest is CPS’ annual bird fair at the Elks Club in Middletown that includes educational speakers, bird-related vendors, and live birds (not for sale). The event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is only $5 per person (children under 12 and CPS members are free).

This year’s educational speakers include the following:

MaryBeth Kaeser from Horizon Wings, a nonprofit wildlife rehab center in Connecticut, specializing in birds of prey. She will be bringing some of their birds, including a Golden Eagle, and speaking about them at 10:30 a.m. Debbie Goodrich, owner of Parrot Ambassadors, president and founder of Flight Club Foundation, creator and director of Seattle Parrot Expo. She will be speaking about “The Importance of Parrots” at 1:30 p.m.

Other highlights of the event include: Door prizes and teacup auction, including a Smart TV, and an air purifier; many vendors with an array of birdrelated items such as toys, food, and jewelry; and free pet healthcare information at the “Ask the Vets” table, where avian veterinarians will answer your questions.

Featherfest is an event all bird lovers do not want to miss. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the conservation efforts for parrots and other birds in the wild, and offers great resources for parrot owners and parrot fans.

The Connecticut Parrot Society was formed in September, 2006. It is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization, based in Middletown, with more than 130 members. CPS’ mission is to “educate the public and its members about responsible keeping of companion parrots. As part of that mission, CPS provides information to its members and to the public concerning legislation and conservation issues impacting companion parrots and those in the wild.”

CPS meets the first Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 7 p.m. at the Wadsworth Glen Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, 30 Boston Road, Middletown. The public is welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. Meetings include fun and social time for members and their birds and a speaker program, followed by a brief business meeting.

For more information about CPS or Featherfest, go to www.connecticutparrotsociety.org.