Danny Boy the Bird Reunites With Owners

[March 19, 2008]  CARPINTERIA, Calif. (AP) -- A pet macaw named Danny Boy flew the coop in Carpinteria and was found 15 months later some 80 miles away in Pasadena. Greg and Susan Vasilakos, who have moved from Carpinteria to Colorado, learned days ago that Danny Boy has been found. The bird flew away on Dec. 6, 2006, leaving the couple heartbroken.

They listed Danny Boy on an online bird lost-and-found Web site, but didn't hear anything until this month. The macaw was found flying free March 12 in Pasadena and taken to the Pasadena Humane Society.

The bird was then featured on the society Web site and the Vasilakoses were tracked to their new home in Colorado.

Mrs. Vasilakos called the Pasadena shelter and said to put the bird on the phone. The skeptical humane society manager then put the woman on the speaker phone.

It seems Danny Boy waves his foot when asked while offering him a treat.

Danny Boy, who had been "sullen and morose," heard the familiar voice of his owner and perked up, fluffed up his feathers and became animated. He waved his little foot throughout the ensuing conversation.

The Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary in Summerland is expected to retrieve Danny Boy and arrange for the Vasilakoses to pick him up.

[Associated Press]

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