A.B. Kagledom

Winslow "Baybee" Kagle, International Bird of Mystery, died mysteriously while playing in his cage in the "bonus room/garage" yesterday afternoon. He was 15 years old.

(Actual size)

In his early years, Winslow was very active. He liked to shred toys and climb and swing and ring bells. He was a good talker, some favorite phrases being: "Hello, baybee!", "Take a dump!", "Go on, go poopy!" as well as his characteristic "Wee haw!"

Once, Matthew returned home to the smoke detector alerting him of the need for new batteries. "BEEP!" went the detector and "BEEP!" mimicked Winslow. He loved the sound so much he used it until his final days. He enjoyed being Matthew's ascot as well as sitting on his head and playing a good game of "Where's Winslow?" (Matthew pretending he was lost while Winslow playfully preened Matthew's hair.) He developed a fondness for Matthew's socked toes which he fed as any doting bird parent would.

He enjoyed fruit, long strands of cooked pasta, bathing in his water dish, having his pin feathers broken, sock drawers, and sitting in the passenger seat and watching big trucks pass on the freeway. He used to strut back and forth across the top of his cage crying "Wee, wee, wee, wee!" when he heard the sound of the vacuum cleaner.

Winslow was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1997 but was closely monitored and had been doing so well that he no longer required a special diet. Years later, he lost his beak to another bird while he was being boarded but enough grew back that he learned to eat and play. He was always feisty and often cranky but also warm and loving and affectionate.

Adlai was very interested in Winslow and had recently learned to say his name as well as call him "Baybee!" and "Birdie!"

Winslow was Matthew's first real pet. He was babied and loved dearly and we will miss him.