Saga's Journey

Article from “The Mickaboo Bird Rescue Companion”
Published January, 2024

By Megan Cowdell and Giselle Stancic

Saga, a male cockatiel, started his day on September 21, 2023, pretty much like the others. He was alone in the house because his previous owner had a medical emergency. No one even knew he was there until the owner’s daughter heard some sounds and “unearthed him” (her words) from what was a serious hoarding situation. The daughter was returning to her out-of-state home later that week and needed to find a place for the bird fast.

That’s when Saga’s day got interesting. Here’s how he came to Mickaboo, and how he got his name.

12:00pm: Owner’s daughter calls Mickaboo in a panic, asking about placement options.

1:44pm: Update from the daughter that the situation is desperate. The Mickaboo volunteer team springs into action.

2:15pm: Megan Cowdell is on the road to make the rescue. After a stop to pick up millet, she drives from Richmond to Livermore, an hour and fifteen minutes away.

4:15pm: Saga is safely in Megan’s car, but he’s very skittish.

4:33pm: Megan pulls off the road because Saga is panting and freaking out. He’s on the floor of the travel cage.

4:35pm: Saga calms down a bit after his cage is covered.

4:36pm: Megan’s car won’t start! It’s hot and there’s no air conditioning.

4:58pm: AAA is on the way and the air conditioning is working again. Saga seems happier not to be moving.

5:59pm: The AAA app says it’ll be another 30 minutes before their service vehicle will arrive. Ack!

6:19pm: Saga is given his name by one of the Mickaboo team members following the saga online. Megan posts pictures while she waits. Saga is really cute.

6:52pm: The tow truck arrives. Saga is in the front seat with Megan.

7:02pm: Back on the road, Megan’s car is being towed.

8:10pm: Home at last! After being stranded for four long hours, 40 miles from home. Saga and Megan survive the ordeal, although it takes Saga a little while to recover.

Today, Saga is a joyful, affectionate bird who loves to step up on your hand, says “Pretty Bird,” and sings - all day long. (He's available for adoption! ) Megan’s heroics through a very long day, with the support of the Mickaboo team behind her, are just what Mickaboo volunteers do. Our underlying principle is that Every Bird Gets An Equal Chance. Not all have an adventurous day like Saga’s, but we never give up on each and every bird that we rescue.

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Saga's Journey