Ken Globus is a bird whisperer. He has the ability to transform the most aggressive bird into a docile, social, loving friend.

Recently, Globus led a weekend of workshops at Featherlust Farm Birdstore in Old Saybrook, CT. Globus divided the day into an introductory session followed by a hands-on workshop where he worked with individual birds and their owners to solve specific behavior problems, teaching them how to have a better understanding for their bird.

Ultimately, Globus says that he wants bird owners to feel empowered to improve their relationship with their birds. And he showed how. For instance, during the informational session, Ken coaxed a white Lesser Sulpher Cockatoo from its cage. The apprehensive owner muttered, "Careful, he might bite you." 

Globus approached the bird, which was aggressive and cage territorial. He asked it to step up onto his extended forefinger, and the bird obliged. Ken held the birds' paw gently between his fingers in a "scissor" hold, all the while explaining to the audience of nearly 100 what he was doing and why. All of Globus's movements were purposeful, slow, measured and calming. He then enveloped his hand over the cockatoo's head and applied gentle pressure. This tact desensitized the bird to his touch. Globus followed by placing the regal snow-white bird atop its perch. The audience watched in hushed amazement as the bird slowly closed and then opened his eyes in slow, rhythmic blinks. He now was at peace with his environment.

During the afternoon's four-hour workshops, those who had brought in their troubled birds had a chance to work one-on-one with Globus. Participants sought answers to vexing bird behavioral problems spanning the gamut of issues such as biting, cage territorial behavior, aggression, and dislike for particular family members.

Globus teaches owners how to understand bird behavior. He himself learned over the course of 25 years of observing and handling birds. He possesses a deep sensitivity and an instinctive appreciation for birds' needs. He produces no miracles, but, rather, connects with animals on the level that they best understand. Because birds are animals of prey, like horses, their number one goal in life is to survive; Globus works to remove that fear or that phobia.

Globus's method of bird whispering is simple. He uses progressive desensitization, sets limits for the bird, and applies low-energy techniques. In short, he pushes a scared bird toward its fear to help it overcome its fear.

He is however considered controversial because he goes against all conventional bird wisdom. To the audience, he dispelled several "myths": Never wear gloves (they are necessary, sometimes, to protect oneself. Stories abound of bird owners with bite wounds); don't make a bird come out of its cage if it doesn't want to; and, never make a bird do anything it doesn't want to do.

An African Grey Parrott was by far his toughest case. Globus recognized the unhappiness in this bird, and he was very vocal about it. The owner had been unable, then unwilling, to bring the parrot from its cage for fear of being bitten. After the bird was brought out, true to its reputation, it bit Globus on the finger, which began to bleed profusely. Undaunted, Globus continued to work with the parrot, which was now flailing his wings and snapping wildly in an attempt to flee.
Suddenly, a transformation occurred. The bird became docile, sat on its owner's lap, and allowed its feathers to be stroked. Globus encouraged the owner to gently scratch the bird around his ears, his eyes, and his mouth. Birds, Globus said, do not like being petted like a cat or dog.

"Birds," he explained, "are social creatures that want and need to feel safe and secure. They are most happy not having to be in control; but by giving in to your fears and theirs, they are unwittingly put into the position of control."

Birds, when they are in control, become territorial, aggressive, and fears are allowed to develop.  Globus stressed that following through on these "whispering" methods are essential to the bird's welfare. Otherwise, the undesirable behavior will creep back in. Globus said he has witnessed cathartic moments for bird owners, where a breakthrough in behavior has been achieved, and they cry because they (the owners) want so badly to connect with their birds. 

Tragically, though, bird sanctuaries are full of misunderstood birds considered "hard cases." These birds are sometimes euthanized because of a basic misunderstanding of behavior. To that end, Globus is making a documentary film that he hopes will have a great impact on the bird-loving community. He hopes to impart his techniques to others on a wider scale.

Globus is based out of Los Angeles. You can learn more about the Bird Whisperer on his Web site www.thebirdwhisperer.com. His next workshop will be held on March 18 & 19 in Kansas City, MO.

©Main Street News 2008