Cd'A parrot remains on the loose

COEUR d'ALENE - Crystal Partenselder isn't giving up on "Tuii," and she doesn't want you to, either.

The Coeur d'Alene woman still hopes to find the African grey parrot that flew from her home on Aug. 6 when a door was accidentally left open.

The pet has been seen in the area of its home at Virginia and A streets, as well as the Midtown area and most recently, at 15th and Mullan.

He's been spotted low on trees and in mid-flight.

She believes that with the weather "getting a little uncomfortable," as fall settles in, Tuii (pronounced "Twoee") may seek the warmth of the indoors.

"He's going to be looking out of necessity for human contact," she said.

Partenselder hopes that if anyone sees the bird, they'll hold up their hand and ask it to "step up."

That would encourage Tuii to land on their arm. When he does, slowly get inside a car, a garage, a house - just so the bird can't fly away. If you're feeling brave and willing to risk a peck, you can hold his feet.

"Don't run at him. He's just going to freak," said Partenselder, who walks the streets and alleys of the Midtown and downtown area three times a day in hopes of a Tuii sighting.

"It's a good way to lose weight," she said.

Partenselder said the family misses their pet and friend.

"It's really hard knowing he's out there," she said. "We could get another bird, but it's not going to be him."

Partenselder's son, Nathan, bought the bird two years ago from a Spokane pet store for $1,000 when it was 10 weeks old.

A reward is being offered.

If anyone sees the parrot, they're asked to call 964-1570.