Pet Parrot Missing in Haddonfield

Marian McParland admitted her 13-year-old son's pet bird "other than being hungry is probably having a fabulous time," doing what a bird was meant to do: fly.

But Penelope, her family's green, macaw parrot is a tropical bird, domesticated and now out of her element outdoors. Penelope recently discovered her wings, which had been clipped to prevent flight, have grown enough for her to fly.

And that's just what she did Monday, taking flight from the family's Wayne Avenue patio, where she frequently sits on nice days. Now the McParland family is scouring their neighborhood, listening for Penelope's loud, distinctive call, trying to coax her out of trees and back to safety. 

"I saw her yesterday at the baseball field behind Christ the King School," McParland said. "She circled the ball field and flew really low. It was a beautiful sight to see. It was gorgeous."

McParland said she tried to coax Penelope to come to her, but she few off toward Grove Street, in the direction of Hopkins Pond. She has seen Penelope high in neighborhood trees on several occasions. 

"The fire department tried to reach her with a ladder Tuesday on Hopkins Avenue, but she flew away."

McParland said she is worried about Penelope's safety. A red-tailed hawk is often seen in her neighborhood and with Hurricane Irene bearing down on the East Coast this weekend, she's concerned strong winds may carry her away.

"She only weighs about a pound," McParland said. "She's such a sweet bird. She'll roll over for tummy rubs. She's very tame."

McParland is offering a "generous reward" for anyone who can return the parrot. She asks anyone with information to call her at 609-238-9599.

"It's very upsetting," she said. "Penelope is part of our family."