Rating: 
Summary: Between a Parrot and a Human
Review: "The Parrot Who Owns Me" is the story of ornithologist Joanna Burger's decades-long relationship with Tiko, a Red-lored Amazon Parrot with whom she shares her home and her life. She adopted Tiko when he was already over thirty years old, after his previous owners died. Tiko was opinionated, set in his ways, and a little slow to accept his new home and human companions. But years of patience and concerted effort paid off as Tiko became fiercely attached to Joanna and ultimately completely trusting of her. "The Parrot Who Owns Me" is a touching and fascinating account of the developing bond between a parrot and his human - and a human and her parrot. Probably because she is an ornithologist, Joanna Burger puts up with some behaviors from Tiko which might horrify many parrot owners. But her desire to understand his natural inclinations is our gain, as we learn what it's like to live in a household that is sometimes governed by parrot imperative. Her extremely patient husband, Mike, deserves a great deal of credit as well. As much as this book is the story of Tiko and Joanna's relationship, it is the story of this ornithologist's relationship with birds over the course of her life. Joanna shares stories and her feelings about the previous parrots in her life and the fieldwork she has done -and continues to do- around the world. Entertaining and enlightening, "The Parrot Who Owns Me" is a must-read for anyone interested in parrots or animal-human relationships.
Rating:
Summary: THE PARROT WHO OWNS ME
Review: ALL I CAN SAY IS "DELIGHTFUL!" THIS BOOK WILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE AND SOMETIMES A TEAR ON YOUR CHEEK. I READ THIS BOOK WHILE I WAS AWAY ON VACATION AND EVEN THOUGH I KNEW MY PARROTS WERE BEING WELL CARED FOR WITH MY LIVE-IN BIRD SITTER IT MADE ME MISS MY "KIDS" LIKE CRAZY. GET THIS BOOK AND ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read for Parrot Enthusiasts!
Review: Anyone interested in hookbill behavior will appreciate Professor Burger's beautifully written, comprehensive gem. It was obviously a labor of love, and that was what I found so refreshing and reassuring. This is not a boring, cold, clinical account of Tiko's behavior, devised to support a scientist's ideas about why parrots bite, pout, communicate, display, flirt and play. It is a series of astute observations that ultimately show the reader we are all part of the same flock. Dr. Burger shares everything with her readers, from Tiko's diet, tantrums, routines and surroundings to accounts of Tiko's attempts to mate with her (and the importance of her patient understanding of his demonstrations). When you finish The Parrot Who Owns Me, you will understand the effort required for a parrot and a human to bond--and the awe and wonder that result when the bond is successful.
Rating: 
Summary: "A Love Story"
Review: As I read this book I had to keep reminding myself that it's just "A Love Story" between Joanna Burger & her companion parrot, Tiko. This is not a book on how to bring up a companion parrot for the first time parrot parent. Some of the interaction between Tiko and Joanna goes against all behavioral advice that has been published before by behavioral parrot experts, and my own experience with companion parrots. You'll have to remember Joanna is doing scientific study and trying to let Tiko live as wild & free as possible within an enclosed household environment. Some of the things that Tiko is allowed to do could prove very fatal to a companion parrot. A companion parrot needs kind & loving discipline, and they do look to us as their parents in captivity for daily guidance and direction. If they don't have this, they end up very frustrated and confused, and stressed. That being said, this is a wonderful story of the interaction and love between Tiko and Joanna. The experiences that Joanna had while on her many jungle trips to South America, etc, are captivating reading. I would love to read a detailed account of these scientific findings she experienced on these trips. This was a touching story, and I'm glad Dr. Burger shared it with us. If you are seeking expert advice on taking care of your new companion parrot be sure to check out the "Companion Parrot Handbook" by Sally Blanchard & her "Companion Parrot Quarterly" publication.
Rating: 
Summary: So-so science writer, bad pet owner
Review: Her story about life with a parrot is completely discouraging to a prospective parrot owner. But the bird's intolerable destructive and antisocial behavior is her own fault, as she doesn't follow any reasonable guidelines for training it. Not that she mentions this omission, or gives any indication that a person who really took some responsibility for the animal could have a wonderful pet instead of a screeching, biting, furniture-shredding horror. (for a better book on parrot ownership try My Parrot, My Friend by Bonnie Munro Doane). As science writing it's okay, but rather on the 'lite' side. Plenty of chat, a little bit of information.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I picked up this book hoping to read about a woman and her emotional connection to her amazon, since I have an amazon at home. Instead, I quickly became horrified at the behavior of this parrot and the dangerous behaviors he was allowed to pursue (chewing holes in furniture, chopping on onions and chocolate in the kitchen, free-flying through the house, etc). Its not fair to any parrot to encourage sexual behavior because no human can become a parrot mate. To allow a parrot to dominate a household in this manner is evidence of someone who does not truly understand how to train parrots to deal with our captive environment. I'm not sure now if I will even finish the book. If anything, this book is a how-not-to raise a parrot!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I picked up this book hoping to read about a woman and her emotional connection to her amazon, since I have an amazon at home. Instead, I quickly became horrified at the behavior of this parrot and the dangerous behaviors he was allowed to pursue (chewing holes in furniture, chopping on onions and chocolate in the kitchen, free-flying through the house, etc). Its not fair to any parrot to encourage sexual behavior because no human can become a parrot mate. To allow a parrot to dominate a household in this manner is evidence of someone who does not truly understand how to train parrots to deal with our captive environment. I'm not sure now if I will even finish the book. If anything, this book is a how-not-to raise a parrot!
Rating:
Summary: Best Book on Parrots I've Read So Far
Review: Joanna Burger has captured the essence of parrot companionship in this fascinating book. It's as good as any NY Times bestseller -- once you start, it's hard to put down. As a scientist, Dr. Burger incorporates a myriad of technical information into this easy-read story of her loving relationship with Tiko, a Red-lored Amazon. Among other things, she describes how Tiko helped her recovery from Lyme disease by preening her hair as she slept. Any parrot owner will recognize many of the parrot behaviors she describes as those their own bird companions display. This book warmed my heart and confirmed all the things I know about why I love birds, especially parrots. I have no doubt that anyone who provides a home for a parrot will truly enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: For a good time...
Review: read this book. I loved it! Suitable for young teens and above, it tells a great story while offering excellent insight into the relationships between parrots & humans as well as between parrots and the world (other parrots, the environment, etc.). Best of all, you don't have to live with a parrot to enjoy this book. A fabulous blend of science and life experience, this book offered some good information applicable to the parrot who owns me (if only I could find the sections again). Anyone interested in information about relationships, bird watching, or simply a well-written tale will enjoy this book. It really is a good read. I'd have given this book 5 stars if it had an index to lead me back to the useful passages. As it is, I'll probably relegate this book to the category of pleasure and pass it along to a friend rather than keep it and recommend friends buy it. Ms. Burger is a scientist, a world-reknown educator and ornithologist; she should know the value of an index. Random House, as publisher, has a responsibility which, once again, it is side-stepping: for books (especially those which are non-fiction) to be useful, the readers need to be able to find the information without having to re-read the entire book!
Rating:
Summary: For a good time...
Review: read this book. I loved it! Suitable for young teens and above, it tells a great story while offering excellent insight into the relationships between parrots & humans as well as between parrots and the world (other parrots, the environment, etc.). Best of all, you don't have to live with a parrot to enjoy this book. A fabulous blend of science and life experience, this book offered some good information applicable to the parrot who owns me (if only I could find the sections again). Anyone interested in information about relationships, bird watching, or simply a well-written tale will enjoy this book. It really is a good read. I'd have given this book 5 stars if it had an index to lead me back to the useful passages. As it is, I'll probably relegate this book to the category of pleasure and pass it along to a friend rather than keep it and recommend friends buy it. Ms. Burger is a scientist, a world-reknown educator and ornithologist; she should know the value of an index. Random House, as publisher, has a responsibility which, once again, it is side-stepping: for books (especially those which are non-fiction) to be useful, the readers need to be able to find the information without having to re-read the entire book!
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