Three years ago, my husband and I spent a week at Disney World in Florida. I loved the Soarin’ Around the World ride, where you could strap in and experience, through digital projection, flying like a bird. The ride felt so real, it swept me away. I flew over the Swiss Alps, swooped past colorful sailboats in Australia’s Sydney Harbor, and dove along with polar bears into icy waters.

I also loved riding a safari vehicle among elephants, ostriches, rhinos, giraffes, and hippopotamuses, but it was an employee stationed near an open area in Animal Kingdom who sprinkled my day with pixie dust. “You’ll want to hang around here,” he said, “because in just a minute, something magical is going to happen.”

Something magical? I held my breath.

Seconds later, I looked up to see macaws with four-foot wingspans flying above me. I was mesmerized by their colorful feathers: cherry red, midnight blue, gold, orange, and lime green. Children squealed with delight, my husband and I stepped closer to one another, and strangers exchanged smiles. It was a magical moment.

The macaws’ wings stirred the air, and their excited squawks rang in my ears as they descended in mass to a circular feeding station. Trainers rewarded them with treats. The macaws, part of the parrot family, bobbed their heads, fluffed their feathers, and stretched lazily. 

A guide shared information about their threatened habitat in South America and how Disney contributes to their conservation. These highly intelligent birds seemed to enjoy their interaction with the trainers. An all-green military macaw leaned up against a trainer's hand. A blue-winged macaw stretched out a leg and a wing in a contented “Life is good” gesture. When the trainers stepped off their stools, a cue for the macaws to return to their home 1/2 mile away, they flew off in mass, leaving us all touched by magic. The memory stayed with me long after I returned home.

May 31st was National Parrot Day, a commemorative day started by the World Parrot Trust in 2004 to raise awareness about parrot conservation and the threats they face in the wild, including habitat loss and illegal trade. If you’re looking for a nearby parrot fix, visit Minocqua’s Wildwood Zoo’s aviary. I stepped inside their parakeet habitat and fell in love. Their vibrant colors and cheerful energy filled the space with life. I pulled out my wallet to buy a bird seed popsicle stick. Before I even had the money out, I had three colorful budgies lined up on my arm. It was thrilling! They pecked at the seeds on the popsicle stick and dazzled me with their cheerful chirps. I giggled as one even perched on my head!

I savored the experience, delighting in the squeals of children and adults as the budgies surrounded them, landing on their arms and pecking at their feet. Laughter filled the aviary like birdsongs fill the meadows.

As summer approaches, a season that we all find goes way too fast, I plan to remember my parrot experiences. Their lazy stretching will remind me to enjoy slower mornings and linger longer. Their colorful plumage will remind me to appreciate the details and savor the beauty and delights of the season. Their entertaining antics and exuberance will remind me to find the pixie dust magic in everyday.