Sammi (aka Samantha Binkley aka Tiny Tyson aka Marvin Albird)

Sammi is an Indian Ringneck Parakeet. She lead a tumultuous first two years of her life (1995-6). She lived on a boat, where she bit her owner, Brent Binkley, who threw her to the floor. She was taken to a Pet Bird Store, Birds ‘n Bees, where she was left on consignment for several months. Nobody purchased her. Mrs. Binkley, a teacher at Karen’s school, took Sammi to work. Sammi received some attention, and received rides on student’s shoulders at recess. But otherwise, she was in solitary confinement. Karen knew that this was not the kind of social environment in which parrot’s are happy. She brought Sammi home. From the beginning, Sammi was an angry bird, and frequently lunged and tried to bite. It has taken several years of nurturing, but Sammi is much less aggressive. Sammi is very smart, learning correlations very fast. She lays eggs every year and sits on them for a month, although they do not hatch. Every evening, when she is tired, she borrows under a towel on someone’s shoulder, and goes to sleep. The reason for the burrowing is not known. It may be for warmth, darkness, protective instinct, or merely a habit.