19/05/2025
Happy Monday village, I have a huge announcement, while I understand it’s long, when you read it, you will understand why.
For those of you in the bird world, the name Juli Sands probably rings a bell. She’s the creator behind Circle of Life Avian Collars—a woman whose collars have literally saved countless birds’ lives. But more than that, she’s someone who built an incredible flock of her own and has spent years doing educational outreach and advocating for parrot welfare.
Years ago, Juli and I had a conversation: if the day ever came when she needed to start a new chapter, her flock would come to me. That was a long-standing understanding—not a sudden or impulsive decision.
Back in 2021, she reached out, her husband’s COPD was worsening, and she was trying to manage everything alone. At the time, I encouraged her to wait—I didn’t feel it was quite right yet, so agreeing with me, she made major changes to her home to try to make it possible to help her husband‘s lungs, as well as keep the birds lives enriched.
They moved them downstairs, purchased air purifiers, etc., and she continued loving and caring for her flock.
Then she blew out her knee, so the last two years or so, stairs have become a daily obstacle, and with her husband physically unable to help, spending real quality time with her birds—cleaning, caring, just being with them—became less and less sustainable.
Anyone who’s had even a couple of parrots knows: this isn’t a hobby. This is a full-time, physically demanding commitment. She didn’t make this decision lightly. She made it out of love, because she knew they deserved more than what she could give in this season of life.
There are too many heartbreaking cases where people cling to animals they can no longer care for, letting everyone—human and bird—suffer for it. Juli chose better. She chose what was right, not what was easy. And I have nothing but deep respect for that.
So now, her beloved flock is here.
Tango, the macaw, has gone to my rescue partner Megan—and it looks like she’s going to stay right there with her.
Angel, the male umbrella cockatoo I was admittedly nervous about having room for, is surprisingly bonding beautifully with Oswald. My heart is full watching them.
Zephie, an amazing female big pink, settled into the girls room as if she had been there forever. I thought Nick was going to stuff her in his shirt and run when he was here Saturday 🤣
Saquarra, a male Major Mitchell’s is bonded to Pegasus, so their transition was also easy as they have each other.
Pegasus, a handsome male Ducorp cockatoos is already showing his big personality.
Zoe, a female African Grey is a little nervous but steps up readily and likes to sit on the play gym on and off throughout the day.
I had told Juli I would keep them, and that remains the plan.
God had a hand in the timing of all this—recent adoptions made the space, although tight, doable.
My husband made the trip to Minnesota with an 16 foot trailer and brought them, and everything they came with, home safely. They arrived one week ago today.
Let me be crystal clear about this next part:
This was an act of love, not failure.
This was a commitment fulfilled, not a decision made overnight.
If anyone feels entitled to criticize her, question her, or gossip about this move, please understand you will get no grace from me, just my teeth.
If you truly care about birds, then you know this was the kind of choice we need more people to be brave enough to make.
She is a perfect example of our mission statement,
We are responsible for what we have captured, and when we know better, we should do better.
Juli will continue to make her Circle of Life Avian Collars—so she will continue to be involved in the avian community.
