In Tammy Wise's words, "birds are dinosaurs like creatures with an ancestral lineage." A former Broadway dancer, Tammy has had Fred for around 20 years. Then, a few years ago, she decided to get Cabal, hoping Fred would have a companion. Except — parrots are monogamous creatures. As soon as she got them, they screamed at each other in parrot tongue. Both of them wanted Tammy's attention only to themselves. When you enter her house, Fred is still the tranquil bird while Cabal sings and coos loudly. On some days, Tammy wonders if she's recreating the chaos of her childhood through these birds. On other days, she wraps Cabal around her fingers while she dances away, almost reminding Tammy of herself — feral and trying to fly.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy Wise at her work computer with Fred on her shoulders.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy Wise and Fred in their home.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy sits on her couch with Fred while her cat, Lucy, watches Fred.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy soothes Cabal right after she gets out from the cage.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Cabal snuggles Tammy as she gets comfortable with her surroundings.
Cabal snuggles Tammy as she gets comfortable with her surroundings.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Cabal and Tammy at their acrobatics in their home.
Cabal and Tammy at their acrobatics in their home.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy Wise stands on her balcony against a glass door.
The door is studded with shiny beads to prevent birds from crashing into them.
Oct. 1, 2023, Sunday
Tammy Wise on her bed — an oasis away from her pets.