Daisy, a colorful macaw, has been an attraction at Katrina Auburn’s Twisp Feed store for many years.
As many other birds do this time of year, Daisy will be migrating southward soon.
She won’t be flying. Daisy — the brilliantly colored, long-tailed, big-beaked, sometimes raucous macaw that has entertained customers at Twisp Feed for many years — will be taking a road trip to her new home in Utah.
Katrina Auburn, owner of the business and the bird, said logistical circumstances no longer allow her to keep Daisy, so she will be returned to the Nightingale family that gave the macaw to Auburn in 2010.
Daisy was 10 years old when Auburn got her, so would be 23 now — mature but not elderly. According to online information, macaws can have a life expectancy of 35 to 50 years.
Auburn kept Daisy at home for four years, but after a house fire she moved the macaw to the store (a firefighter rescued Daisy from the blaze, Auburn said).
Most of the time, Daisy occupies a large cage next to the customer checkout counter. Auburn takes her home for periodic showers, which Daisy tolerates.
Changes in her home situation require Auburn to return Daisy to Anna Nightingale, who lives in Utah. Auburn will meet Nightingale in Baker City, Oregon, for the hand-off.
“Anna has had her before and is familiar with her personality and handling,” Auburn said. “They are a lot of responsibility. They need care and attention.”
Daisy will surely be missed. “She has her own fan club,” Auburn said. “Parents bring their kids in to see her.” Out-of-towners will sometimes stop by because they have heard about Daisy.
“My staff will not the miss the hollering,” Auburn added. Daisy’s loud squawks, often related to food, can be “nerve grinding,” Auburn said. And Daisy may nip at you with her powerful beak if annoyed.
On the other hand, Auburn said, she will miss Daisy’s soft cooing and entertaining antics. Macaws are known to be affectionate and sociable.
“She always knows when you are talking about her,” Auburn said.
If you want to say goodbye to Daisy at the store, you have until Oct. 27.
