“We Didn’t Think He Was Coming Back.” Community Rallies To Find Family’s Lost Bird.

Pets aren’t just animals – they’re a part of the family, no matter if they’re a four-legged friend like a dog or a feathered friend like Guru. This green-winged Macaw first joined Mike Thomas and his family two years ago. In fact, they rescued the now 9-year-old bird. And just like any other pet, he quickly became irreplaceable.

That’s why, when Guru flew away, the Thomas family was devastated. It happened last Saturday when Mike took him into the backyard. Usually, Guru doesn’t fly much, but that day was an exception. When Mike sat down in their swing, it made a loud squeak. This must have frightened the bird, sending him into flight for nearby trees.

The search for Guru began immediately, but he was too quick and sneaky for them. Neighbors took note of what happened and offered to help. Still, two nights passed without any success. One neighbor even spotted the bright bird in his tree, but no amount of coaxing could get Guru to move. Eventually, he flew away once more.

“He was gone and we were getting to the point where we didn’t think he was coming back,” Mike said.

As heartbreaking as it was to not have Guru back yet, it was touching for the Thomas family to see so many people in the Glen Rock area of York County in Pennsylvania put in so much effort to help. Even folks they didn’t know joined the rescue mission. In fact, their beloved bird grew a social media following as word spread of the search.

Then, the miracle they had been waiting for happened when a friend of Mike’s son stepped in to help. Guru is known to love him so much that they refer to him as a bird whisperer. This family friend had to hike a trail and climb a tree but, eventually, he was able to carefully get Guru into his grasp.

Now, Guru is back at home, safe and sound. Here, he can resume his adorable role of squawking “hello” whenever a phone rings.

“We’re happy to have him back on his perch,” Mike said. “We’re thanking the community. Everybody came out and they were so supportive and so thoughtful and kind.”

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!