Be they natives or imports, enjoy L.A.'s birds

A parrot whose cries of alamer helped save the life of a choking girl has been hailed a hero.
Willie, a Quaker parrot, has been awarded the local Red Cross chapter's Animal Lifesaver Award in Denver, Colorado.
His histrionics alerted his owner, Megan Howard, who was baby-sitting the toddler last November.
Shareen Strauss in her bird room in McCloud, where she cares for sick, unwanted and problem birds that people in the community bring to her. Photo: Gene EagleMcCloud, Calif. — Shareen Strauss of McCloud has always had a passion for wild animals. As a child she and her older sister Lori always brought home strays or unwanted animals to nurture. Their love for animals grew as they did.