One thing you should never do while free flying is live in this imaginary world that nothing can ever go wrong. Flying off is sadly part of the deal with free flight and will likely happen to you at least once. The best way to deal with a fly off is to be prepared for one to occur. We will discuss why fly off’s happen in lesson 4 where I will also share my own experiences of flying off with you.

If your bird has flown off there is a sequence of steps that you should follow, regardless of why your bird has flown off. It is greatly helpful to have another individual with you if a fly off occurs. Below you’ll find steps on what to do if you are alone or are with a friend/family member.

You are alone

1. Stay at the rally point. Parrots have a natural tendency to want to return to the last place they saw something familiar, aka yourself. Make sure to call your bird while at the rally point and listen closely for any contact calls. Never play birds calling on your phone. This could actually cause your bird to fly further out.
2. After around 15 minutes start asking people walking past if they have seen your bird. Give them a rough description of what your parrot looks like. Keep calling. Your bird is likely still in the area and may be waiting until they feel safe. Calling every few minutes ensures they know you are still there.
3. After 30 minutes pass start checking in local community groups online. A lot of people will post about having seen a parrot flying around. If you see a post with your bird contact the individual and head to the area. Your parrot should come to you fairly quickly if they are somewhere high up. If someone has caught your bird be prepared to show some form of proof of ownership.
4. If you get to 2 hours and there is still no sign of your bird it would be best to contact friends/family to come help you. Otherwise just stay at the rally point and keep an eye on social media as well as asking those passing by.

You are with a friend/family member

1. Initially stay at the rally point. Parrots have a natural tendency to want to return to the last place they saw something familiar, aka yourself. Make sure to call your bird while at the rally point and listen closely for any contact calls. Never play birds calling on your phone. This could actually cause your bird to fly further out.
2. After a 15-minute wait leave your friend/family member at the rally point and ask them to start playing familiar music. Could be a song your bird loves! Or, if your bird knows your friend/family member well then get them to call your birds name every few minutes. Walk in the direction your bird flew in and call their name every 2 minutes roughly. Listen very closely as there is a high chance your parrot will start to try to contact you.
3. While walking around the perimeter of the area you were in ask people passing by if they have seen your bird. There’s a high chance someone spotted the direction they were going in and could aid you.
4. Keep an eye on social media. This will be your best friend during a fly off. Thanks to Facebook we found our cockatiels within 2 hours of a fly off occurring.
5. Return to the rally point to sit down and give yourself a break from walking. Almost all birds are recovered after a fly off. Never give up. Once you are rested walk the perimeter again.
6. If you have not been able to find your parrot and it is starting to get dark refer to the “How to Deal with over-Nighters” document.

If your bird has left the area for whatever reason they will tend to stay within roughly a 5-mile radius of the rally point for the first few days. Most birds are recovered on the day of flying off or the following morning. Never give up.

To Summarise:

• Don’t panic
• Stay at the rally point and call
• Get a friend/family member with you
• Speak to people passing by
• Pay close attention to social media