I have always loved animals, ever since I was a very small child. Countless hours were spent catching frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes, collecting various insects, examining bees, dragonflies and water beetles. At the age of five, my Scooby-Doo wading pool was converted into my personal pond, complete with lily pads, reeds and toad spawn. I remember my mother telling me that if I could sprinkle salt on a bird's tail, I could catch it (the point being, if the bird let me get close enough to do that, I should be able to pick it up!). I spent many hours with a salt shaker in hand, trying to sneak up on the wild grackles and starlings that were always in our yard (I never did catch one). When I was seven, to my great delight, the Easter Bunny brought me my very first bird. He was a cobalt budgie named Chirpy. I've been hooked ever since.

        I am also a huge dinosaur fan. I would take every dinosaur book out of the library I could get my hands on. My idea of a dream vacation would be to go to Drumheller Alberta and visit the badlands and the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Jurassic Park would be my dream come true. I remember being so excited when I learned of the dinosaur/avian connection. Could it be true? Could all those cute little birdies out there really be modern day dinos? Contemporary therapods? I, for one, was convinced. It was only natural that a bird-loving dino-nut would evolve into the bird keeper (wingnut) I am today.

        A dental hygienist by profession, I consider myself a biologist by calling (BSc, Dalhousie University). I am intent on learning as much as I can about all aspects of avian biology and behaviour, and applying this knowledge to the care and well being of my companions and breeders.