Duncan's page
Duncan MacLeod Rodriguez 3/15/1994-8/20/2019
We got Duncan shortly after we began dating in 1994 and named "him" after Duncan MacLeod, a character on the Sci-Fi show "Highlander". Fast forward 17 years. Duncan was acting funny, so a trip to the vet was in order. The vet said, "With all this calcium in the blood, this could be a girl bird." I told Ellen, "He's a BOY, he's always been a boy!" Well, one week later, Ellen called 911 and Duncan was laying her first egg! Took us a while to start saying "she". And, Duncan kept calling herself "Duncan" so, THAT was that!
If you've never had a parrot as a family pet, there are some differences. Parrots are very social creatures in the wild, and require a LOT of attention, so we became Duncan's "flock". I understand that cats require less interaction than dogs, but Duncan needed a LOT of interaction, so having a parrot is a commitment!
Our vet says that parrots have the intelligence of a five year old, so they are able to verbally communicate about their surroundings. When Duncan called out for "coffee, HOT coffee" in the morning, we knew she wanted some. One night we were watching an old movie that showed a breakfast coffee scene, and even though the movie didn't say anything, Duncan saw the scene and said, "Hot coffee".
She knew when bedtime was, and would say, "Night night". Calling for some "Banana" was another favorite. OUR favorite word was how she would say "Mama". When Duncan was a baby in 1994, Ellen would take her around the house and repeat, "Mama, mama". One day Ellen went to work and Duncan looked around and said, "Mama"? That was exciting. I called Ellen and said, "Duncan's looking for you!" However, birds can get cranky as well. If Ellen was in the room, Duncan would start with a gentle call, "Mama". But, if Ellen didn't appear quickly enough, we would hear louder and louder cries of "MAMA! - MAMA!" Duncan had a vocabulary of about 20 words and seemed to know what everything meant. If she wanted to come out of her cage (even if the door was open), she would say, "Come on out, Duncan." If she want us to pick her up, she would say, "Step up."
And, talk about personality! Duncan could also be very charming, and loved to dance when Ellen sang songs to her. If we had a party at home, Duncan was everybody's favorite. After she passed, the vet clinic sent a very nice sympathy card signed by TEN staff members ... ALL describing how entertaining Duncan was! She would often fly to our shoulder or head when we were in the kitchen - looking for her next meal! After so many years with us, when we saw old friends, they didn't ask about us; instead they would always say, "How's Duncan?" She was in decent health until the last week. Apparently a birds health can decline quickly, so she was pretty good right up to the end.
Funny thing about technology. Taking photos and especially videos didn't become easy until someone invented the "smart phone", so our picture/video memories didn't accelerate until 2008.
It's interesting to note that the only times Duncan was not with us 24/7 was during our out of state vacations, many of which are on this travel website. Now, she is ALWAYS with us!
Early Duncan photo
Duncan getting a shower on the patio
This photo is sometime between 1996 and 2005. Duncan used to LOVE sitting on our protected townhouse patio and take a gentle shower from the garden hose. She would just sit there and sit there, closing her eyes as long as we let the water continue to run over her. Here she is after enjoying her "out side bath" (Her fluffed feathers mean she's happy.)
Please scroll to the bottom to see how many of the staff at ABC vet clinic signed Duncan's sympathy card!
Pizza night
Pizza night
Many years ago, Ellen's personal trainer said, "If you eat healthy six days a week, you can cheat one day." Thus began "Pizza Night". In the 1990s we ordered so much Domino's that we got to be on a first name basis with Stan, the delivery guy. Duncan LOVED her bits of pizza crust. We saved enough pieces of crust so she could have some pizza during the next week. Then, a closer look at the ingredient list got us to switch to store bought DeGiorno. THEN I took a closer look at THOSE ingredients and brought home "DeGiorno - light". Ellen glanced at the box and asked, "What's that?" I sheepishly explained the ingredients, and she said, "We'll see." When we gave Duncan HER piece of "light" pizza, she promptly dropped it on the floor. We quickly went back to "regular" pizza. We tried other varieties (always picking something that Duncan would eat), and have used the Paul Newman brand for several years.
All our friends know about our weekly "Pizza night."
PS Duncan also loved Popcorn! "POP-corn" was one of her favorite words.
Note from ABC vet clinic, Sugarland , TX
Ten staff members signed Duncan's card... SHE was POPULAR!
Duncan was a great bird. I know how much Duncan was loved. So very sorry for your loss. - Lynnette
I know just how special Duncan was to you both! You are in my thoughts & if you need anything, please let us know! - Love, Jenny
I'm so sorry for your loss. Duncan was a sweet girl, we're all going to miss her - [heart], Sarah
Deeply sorry for your loss, may you cherish the memories - Jose
May your fond memories of Duncan comfort you during this difficult time. - Audrey
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Duncan. Please know our thoughts are with you. With warmest condolences, Dr. Melissa McNeil
I am so very sorry for you loss! [heart] - Ann
Duncan was a cutie little bird. She lived a long happy life in a loving home. My thoughts are with you. Dr. Janet Fisher
Duncan was a truly special little bird and you gave her the best possible life. She was truly fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Sincerely, Dr. Kimberly Roset
My condolences on your loss. Sincerely, - Dr. Stephen Fronefield
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