A Tweet for "Tweetie"

One of our library patrons, who visits often, shares tales about his parakeet Tweetie. Now, this is no ordinary bird. He acts more like a dog---one who can fly of course, but very devoted to his owner, whom he seems to regard as a true friend. The cage is always open, and T enjoys perfect freedom, though never in the outside world. I asked about the danger of his escaping, and Bob says that Tweetie loves to look at the others on the other side of the window, but is wise enough to know that he has a Very Good Thing right where he is. He loves to shoulder-sit and just be nearby when Big Bird (as he probably calls B.) is reading or cooking. If left alone for too many hours, however, T cops an attitude,gets uppity, and will not come when called. Hmmm, sounds very human to me. This parakeet is no "canary in a coal mine", rather he lives more like a Bird in a Gilded Cage!