Parrot Blogger - Jim McKendry

Jim is currently the Learning Coordinator for Senior Biology and Middle Years Science at St. Teresa’s Catholic College in Queensland, Australia. He has worked professionally with free flighted birds as a presentations keeper at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where he now presents parrot behaviour workshops in partnership with specialist avian veterinarian Dr. Bob Doneley.

Jim is a member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (www.iaate.org). He writes a regular column, 'Pet Parrot Pointers’, for Australian Birdkeeper Magazine, also serving as an editorial consultant on parrot behaviour for this publication. He provides consultation services for companion parrot carers in Australia via his website at http://www.pbec.com.au.

In recent years, Jim has focused primarily on working with Gang-Gang Cockatoos and the rehabilitation of juvenile feather chewers of this species. He is passionate about Black Cockatoos and spends his spare time observing the wild behaviours of Glossy and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos that fly, feed and breed in the beautiful environment of the Noosa Shire.

Jim is a strong advocate of approaching the care and management of parrots with sensitive consideration of the essential elements of socialisation, flight and enrichment that are enjoyed by parrots in the wild.