"Doh!" - Homer Simpson

Well, I see it's been a while since Kylie posted here, so I thought I would update the masses. Whoever said nothing exciting happens during the molt has not met Kylie Taylor. She can turn the most monotonous day into an exciting and exhausting adventure. After an action packed day of shopping Kylie decided to let her bird fly free at 10 pm Sunday night. Straight out the garage door she flew leash and all. One moment of inattention was all it took Kylie was tethering Katana to the perch in the garage when she turned to say something to Brandy and I and Kat bated. The leash went right through Kylie's glove. After an all night search nothing turned up. Silver lining was we found a new rabbit field. There were so many rabbits running around that Kylie was able to pick one up with her bare hands to use as a live lure.

The next morning Kylie checked the 2 places she was sure the Kat would be, but still no luck. Finally we spotted Katana in a tree on a residential road. She was getting harassed pretty good by the local mocking birds. Katana was not interested in the BC or the live lure, instead she just kept flying from tree to tree. Finally she tried to fly across an open field and could not make it. She landed on the ground. Oh the benefits of a fat and very out of shape bird. We were finally able to run her down with her only being able to fly away a few yards at a time. With every flight she let us get closer until we were finally able to grab the leash.

I'm sure everyone will read about this in the apprentice corner of On The Wing eventually, because many things can be learned from this little jaunt across the neighborhood. First of all pay attention at all times. Second always hold the leash tight and never let go until the bird is securely tethered, or the giant hood door is shut. Third don't give up. Even though it may seem an impossible task it can be done. In Kylie's case the same thing that worked against her was the thing that eventually got her the bird back; a fat non hungry out of shape bird. If all else had of failed the water hose was the next option. A fat bird definitely can't fly with wet plumage.

Kylie will probably add her version of the story at some point.