by Laura Simpson From Care2

The Tilbury family in Queensland, Australia had the most unusual Christmas morning two years ago when they found a special gift not under the holiday tree, but way up high in one in their yard.

“I was in the kitchen making breakfast for the family when we heard a commotion outside,” Christina recalls. “All we could hear was the screeching of a crow. My partner went outside to look and came back in saying there’s a crow attacking something yellow out there. His mum went to have a look and came back with a tiny grey and yellow cockatiel.”

Not prepared for this unusual holiday guest, the family did the best they could to make him at home.

Turns Out, He Packs Quite a Peck!

“He was so friendly the first day,” Christina explains. “We gave him crackers and water because we didn’t have anything else. He gulped it down so fast that we took it away in case he made himself sick.”

But very soon, the little one began to show another aspect to his personality and one that required special care.

“Fast forward one week and he starts acting very different,” Christina said. “He becomes scared of hands and bites for no reason. Research indicated a troubled bird. He knew how to jump up so obviously he’d had some training but I wonder if he was too bitey and was hurt by people before being let go.”

Christina named the new family member Kyle and set about teaching him to use his beak with kindness. She was bitten time and time again, but Christina needed to earn Kyle’s trust and that would simply take patience.

Happily Ever After…

“I do believe he was mistreated at one time and he still has a few issues, but we have brought him a girlfriend and he’s come a long way to loving people again.”

Kyle is doing his part to bring joy to the family. He now knows how to sing movie themes including part of the Star Wars and Jurassic park.

“He whistles and flirts with my partner who taught him the songs,” Christina said. “He knows how to hand feed and give cuddles. He’s come a long way.”

For more rescue stories from everyday heroes or to share one of your own, visit The Great Animal Rescue Chase at: http://animalrescuechase.com/rescue_showcase/rescue_showcase.php

For more on this story go to:

http://www.care2.com/causes/queensland-family-finds-winged-holiday-guest-in-the-tree-outside.html