Several years ago, Holly Springs resident Ruth Hamilton realized she had a unique gift. A gift for working with birds. Says Hamilton, “I’m like a bird whisperer.”

Hamilton has used her gift to spread happiness wherever she goes. She takes her birds on visits to schools, hospitals, senior centers and nursing homes. Patients relax and open up around the birds and begin to share their own pet stories. Says Hamilton, “The therapeutic value of these creatures is amazing.”

Hamilton hand-tames and trains her birds by clipping their wings so they can only fly downward. She also spends time bonding with them by calmly stroking them so they become accustomed to her presence.

On a recent visit to Womble Park, Hamilton displayed her talents with birds. The four parakeets – one light blue, one bright yellow, and two pure white ones with iridescent feathers – immediately obeyed by hopping on the stick each time she laid it on the ground.

The most frequently asked question by bystanders is “Why don’t they fly away?” Hamilton jokingly responds, “Because they know where their seeds are buttered.”

She has turned her gift of bird handling and training into a business. For a set fee, customers may purchase a trained bird or have their own bird trained.

When a bird responds quickly to hopping on the stick, she knows they are ready to be left with the family. When they become a little disobedient, she says that just means they need more stroking and bonding time. “It reminds them who is boss.”

Hamilton keeps a journal of her bird adventures, hoping to one day soon translate them into a children’s book or how-to-guide.

For now, she is content to brighten others’ day and make people smile.

For more information about having a bird trained or to schedule a visit for your organization, you may contact Ruth at (919)368-5215.