For several months, an advertisement has consistently appeared in the Albuquerque Journal’s classified section seeking information about a missing bird — a cockatiel.
After seeing the ad for so many times, I finally decided that I should investigate the matter — giving in to my ingrained journalistic instincts. My first reaction was that the bird was long gone and no longer alive and that the owner’s quest was a hopeless pursuit. However, if you read the ad below, you’ll see that the owner does not believe that’s the case.
So I called the number and expected a hang-up when I began explaining why I phoned. A very pleasant woman named Diane seemed eager to answer my questions when I explained that I wanted to write about the matter in my blog. She said she hoped that what I write might reach someone who has information about the missing bird.
Not knowing much about bird species, I found this online about cockatiels:
“Cockatiels can make excellent pets for dedicated owners due to their affectionate, intelligent and social nature, but they require significant time for daily interaction, training, and care, including proper housing, a good diet, and managing their tendency to produce dust.”
She explained that the bird had escaped from her Albuquerque Northeast Heights home on Sept. 14, 2024.
“But I knew it was rescued,” she said. “I know he’s safe somewhere but I’m confused about why someone hasn’t come forward and returned him since I’ve been very public about looking for for him.”
She also said that a local TV station had picked up on the long-running advertisement and did a short segment about the missing bird and its owners’ long search for it.
I asked how she knew that the bird was still alive. She said she had been in contact with it through an “animal communicator.” I wasn’t quire prepared for that response, but I thought I should look up the practice online. I found this AI generated explanation:
“An animal communicator is a practitioner who claims to connect telepathically with animals to interpret their thoughts, feelings and needs for their human companions. Also known as “pet psychics” or “animal intuitives,” they assert that they can serve as translators in a two-way, energetic dialogue.”
The response also added this:
“Claims of telepathic animal communication are not supported by scientific evidence. The scientific community generally views these practices as pseudoscientific, attributing perceived successes to a combination of factors.”
I also asked Diane for the name of the bird. She declined to give it to me, saying that if the individual or individuals now keeping “Birdie” knew its name, they might use the name to confuse the Cockatiel into thinking that these people were its rightful owner.
Now I confess to being a skeptic about many things, probably due in part from my experience as a journalist. However, if our dog Chester went missing, I’m sure we’d try lots of things to try to find him. I’m not sure if I’m convinced that an Animal Communicator would fit the bill, but Diane was convinced it would work. Because of that information, she remains optimistic that she will find the bird alive some day soon. I hope she does.
Her number in Albuquerque is (505) 934-2565, if you have any information about the situation.
aero-cordero.com 