Central California Mermaid Avian Rescue Center

03/28/2026

03/07/2026

I'm beyond excited that God has placed people in my life who are open to new possibilities. There is something truly beautiful about being surrounded by people who are willing to step outside of what’Mahogany Maynd embrace growth, compassion, and new experiences.

I’m especially grateful for those who are willing to see the value in trying something different and opening their hearts in unexpected ways. That kind of willingness is rare, and it means so much.

A special shoutout to for opening her heart, home, and family to fostering Thaddeus. He’s a laid-back cockatiel who loves snacks, sings in the morning, and simply appreciates the opportunity to be loved. Seeing kindness like this reminds me that when we lead with love, amazing things can happen.

Thank you for being a blessing and giving this sweet little soul a chance. 💛

03/07/2026

New homes!!

03/07/2026

Huge shoutout and thank you to our sponsors and supporters! We couldn't do it without you!! Inc is the epitome of support! They don't only talk the talk but they walk the walk! 3 peacocks have a new home thanks to Inc!! Words can not express the gratitude!

01/07/2026

🦜 EDUCATION POST: Parrots & Talking — What You NEED to Know

This is very important, especially for new bird owners and adopters 👇

🔹 NOT all parrots talk.
Talking is not guaranteed. Some parrots will never say a single word—and that is completely normal and OK.

🔹 Just because a parrot talked “before” does NOT mean they will talk with you.
Parrots don’t talk on command. They talk when they feel safe, bonded, and comfortable. A new home can reset everything.

🔹 It can take MONTHS.
Many parrots need weeks or even months to warm up. Silence does not mean something is wrong—it means they’re still adjusting and observing.

🔹 Some parrots talk when you’re NOT in the room.
This one surprises people a lot! Some birds practice words alone, TVs, or other birds, and go quiet when humans are around.

🔹 Talking is NOT a measure of intelligence or happiness.
A non-talking parrot can be just as smart, loving, and bonded as a talking one. Body language, interaction, and trust matter far more.

🔹 Environment matters.
Stress, fear, change, hormones, health, routine, and even noise levels can affect vocal behavior.

💡 Bottom line:
If you want a parrot only because it talks, a parrot may not be the right pet.
If you want a companion, the talking—if it comes—is just a bonus.

🧡 Be patient. Be consistent. Talk to them without pressure.
Trust is earned… and sometimes the words come when you least expect them.

My soul bird is a Blue & Gold Macaw.
It took him a full year to say anything. We honestly thought he would never talk—and we truly did not care.

One night, we were laying in bed and suddenly heard him having a full conversation with himself and the other birds. Of course, my husband and I rushed out to interact with him… and just like that—he got quiet.

It took months after that for him to start talking in front of us.

And here’s the most important part 👇
It wasn’t his talking that made us fall in love.

Sometimes parrots don’t talk because:
• They’re watching
• They’re healing
• They’re learning if you’re safe
• They’ve lived a harder, deeper, scarier past

Some parrots love harder.
Some parrots carry more trauma.
Some parrots bond deeper than words could ever explain.

Talking is not trust.
Talking is not love.
Talking is not the goal.

🧡 The quiet ones often have the loudest stories.
🧡 Patience builds bonds words never could.

01/07/2026

So very true!

I’ve shared my home with companion parrots for more than 30 years. I’m a nurturer by nature. So when I began volunteering with Lu’s rescue a few years ago, I thought I had a solid understanding of what saving birds meant.

I was wrong.

What I didn’t yet understand was how layered it would be, how often love alone wouldn’t be enough, and how much heartbreak could live alongside care.

The birds taught me that real rescue asks more.

It asks us to listen instead of assume.
To learn instead of judge.
To accept that good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes.

There are moments that still break my heart. Quiet moments. Knowing that some of my feathered friends may never find a traditional “forever” home. Wondering what their future will look like. Sitting with that uncertainty more often than I ever expected to.

As the years have passed, my perspective has shifted from “forever at all costs” to ethical, bird-centered care that prioritizes each individual bird’s needs. I’ve learned compassion for the humans navigating impossible choices and deep respect for the birds who cannot bend to our expectations, no matter how much we wish they could.

Rescue isn’t about being heroes.
It’s about responsibility.
It’s about growing and doing better as we learn.

And it’s important to say this part out loud. Life with parrots, especially in rescue, is not a highlight reel. It’s not just the funny words, the dances, or the perfectly timed videos. It’s early mornings and late nights. It’s noise, mess, patience, routine, setbacks, and showing up every single day whether it’s convenient or not.

These birds are intelligent, emotional, and deeply complex. Caring for them is a 24/7 commitment that doesn’t pause when the camera turns off.

If fewer birds need rescue in the future because people understand that reality, choose with honesty, and prepare for the long haul, that will be the truest measure of success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thanks to everyone who supports the love of parrots 🫶🏼 ~ Dawn (volunteer)

01/05/2026

As we welcome a new year, we’re reminded that every new beginning is a chance to protect, learn, and do better for the animals we share this region with.
🪶 Did you know?
Many of the birds we rescue each year are impacted by preventable causes—, improper diets, smoke exposure from wildfires, and lack of access to avian education. Small, informed choices by our community can save lives.
🌱 In the year ahead, we’re committed to:
• Expanding avian rescue and rehabilitation across the Central Valley
• Educating families on proper bird care and coexistence
• Responding to emergencies and disasters affecting wildlife and companion birds
• Challenging myths and opening doors for new communities to connect with birds
Every bird rescued represents hope, healing, and a future restored—and education is at the heart of that work.
Thank you for being part of our flock. Here’s to a year of compassion, learning, and brighter wings ahead. 🕊️💙

— Central California Mermaid Avian Rescue Center

12/02/2025

🌟 This Giving Tuesday, Help Us Give Birds a Second Chance 🌟
🦜💛 CCMARC – Central California Mermaid Avian Rescue Center
Today is more than a day of giving — it’s a day of healing, hope, and lifesaving impact for the birds who depend on us.
This year alone, CCMARC has rescued and rehabilitated parrots and other feathered friends who were:
✨ Injured or displaced by disasters
✨ Surrendered or abandoned
✨ Living in unsafe conditions
✨ In need of emergency medical care and sanctuary
Your Giving Tuesday donation helps us provide:
🟡 Warm, safe shelter
🟡 Emergency veterinary care
🟡 Species-appropriate diets
🟡 Behavioral support and rehabilitation
🟡 A forever home for birds who can’t be rehomed
Every dollar brings us closer to transforming another life — restoring trust, rebuilding health, and showing these birds they are finally safe.
💛 Donate today and help us keep their feathers lifted and their futures bright.
👉 https://pay.ccmermaidavianrescuecenter.org/bf471c1a-6e43-4413-a8fa-112
Thank you for supporting our mission and believing in the magic we create every day — where healing meets hope, and every bird gets a chance to soar again. 🕊️✨

Help us save feathers, lives, and hope. Donate to CCMARC and make a difference today.

10/26/2025

In early October, 50 African gray parrots were released into the wild by the Lukuru Foundation, after having been rescued from poachers and undergoing rehabilitation for a year at a refuge run by the foundation.

The foundation’s two parrot rehabilitation centers have been joined by a third one, at Kisangani Zoo, in April, which has already received 112 African grays.

As the DRC begins enforcing a July ban on the trade in African grays, authorities will need to raise awareness in communities, dismantle well-established trading networks, and ensure released birds aren’t recaptured, conservationists say.

Read the full story by Didier Makal: https://news.mongabay.com/2025/10/rescued-african-gray-parrots-return-to-drc-forests/.

Image: An African grey parrot flying. Image courtesy of Robert01 via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0).

10/14/2025