By Dorene Stamper/Staff Writer-SONews

Eagle Point, Oregon - Joanie Doss and her five performing parrots, the Amazing Amazons, are no strangers to public performances, delighting many with their tricks and even a fashion show. In addition to caring for the performing parrots, Doss has written two books on parrots and her articles can be found in many well-known bird publications.

After living in Alaska for many years, in 1998 Doss relocated from Anchoraage, to the Rogue Valley.

The Amazing Amazons are officially retired after 20 years, said Doss but they do come out of retirement for special appearances, such as the Letterman television show. Jay Leno is also trying to arrange an appearance. "Pepper is the star of the show and knows over 50 tricks," she said.

These four wonders are Pepper, a wild-captured adult male Blue Front Amazon, who's understudy is Sidney (El Cid) a wild-captured Yellow Nape Amazon. Then there is T.J. (Tequila Joe) who is also a wild-captured male Yellow Nape, Maggie (Magnum) another wild-captured Yellow Nape and Kodiak a domestic male Blue Front.

Pepper is a 20 year old Blue Fronted Amazon. When Doss first acquired Pepper he was a dangerous bird and out of control. With lots of TLC and talent Doss was able to turn him into a fantastic Parrot and friend.

Pepper is also an accomplished artist with his own 12" X 14" poster.

One day Doss had an idea and allowed Pepper to express himself with paint and canvas. After Doss filled the paint brush with paint she gave it to Pepper. Pepper was very excited about this new adventure.

First Doss did a wash of blue for the sky and green grass, then she turned it over to Pepper. Using several methods and different size brushes, he worked on his artwork. At times he would walk over the painting and place the paint where

Doss would suggest, other times he did pretty much what he wanted.

" I had him roll the brush to achieve some of the flowers," remembers Doss.

"Sometimes he would hold the brush and I would bring the paper to the brush. I wanted him to do both trees the same but he had different ideas. I wanted it to be dabbed to make it look like a fir tree but he wanted to stroke back and forth.

You can see our disagreement in the second tree with the trunk. Although it was fun when we first started, tension began to build as the painting progressed. I was so afraid he would ruin it. Finally Pepper had enough, broke his paint brush and walked away. After much bribing I was able to coax him into finishing it. I doubt I will ever do this again and I think Pepper feels the same."

About their performances, Doss said, "The Amazing Amazons always perform free. Sharing this gift with others has been very rewarding."

Doss always keeps the welfare of her birds in mind when training and performing.

"Each morning I hold my birds and check them over physically and mentally so I'll know if they are up to performing or being trained," said Doss. "I will never force a bird to participate in entertaining people. At times there are only two birds that are willing to work during a day. It all depends on what birds are up to working."

Their very talented owner/trainer Joanie Doss has been training animals almost all of her life.

"Since I was a child I have been training animals," said Doss, "I have worked with dogs, horses, birds and goats. Out of all these, I liked birds the best. They are the smartest of them all. I also like horses, they are so beautiful. But I can clean all five cages in the same length of time it would take to clean one stall."

"It was so hard to give up my Morgan horses, but my eldest son was deathly allergic to them," said Doss. "Not long after this is when I went into birds. My neighbor had a Amazon Parrot and told me of all of the wonderful things her bird could do."

"When I saw her bird and found out the price of one I thought how for that price I could get one of those pretty Macaws with the blue and gold," remembers Doss.

"Little did I know at the time these little green birds would soon become the focus of my life."

"When we moved to Alaska, I bought Pepper," said Doss. "After I trained him, he was doing a 30 minute show all by himself. I soon bought T.J. to help in the performance."

"I bought Maggie, one of my other performers, with the intent of training him and then to be resold," said Doss, "But I thought it over if anything should happen to one of the other two this would put me behind. So he stayed."

According to Doss the Amazon Parrot is a very honest bird, they let you know immediately if you have done anything to upset them. They like to be near people, but not necessarily touching them. When it comes to their amusement, they love playing with their toys.

Besides being a professional trainer she is also a leading authority of Parrot behavior, and the author of two books, 'Can you Speak Parrot' and 'Can You Speak Parrot Two.' Both of these books are guides to Parrot body language, she said.

Doss' books are widely read and thought of highly by numerous bird breeders, trainers and owners.

"This lady really knows what she is talking about when it comes to Parrots," said Sandra Gail, who also owns birds. "I have read both of her books and they are very good, not only for the advanced but beginners with Parrots, too. I am anxiously awaiting for her third book to come out."

"One of the things I like most about her is her common since approach, which is based on what I presume to be years of observation," continued Gail.

When Doss is asked about what type of bird a person should have she tells them that there are many factors to consider. The size of the home/room their cage will be in and if they are the right species of bird for them.

"You need to know what species of bird you are interested in and what their characteristics are before buying a bird," said Doss. "They may not fit into your life style."

According to Doss, with each species of birds there are good points and bad points to consider. All birds are beautiful and this is a good point. However, some breeds are loud, which means they aren't good in apartments or close quarters.

The size of someone's residence is very important, said Doss. "Apartments require a small and quiet bird. You wouldn't have one that is louder than the neighbor's children. Now, if you are living out in the country you can have one who is not only big, but loud, too."

"Depending on the size of the home or room would also determines the size of the bird," said Doss. "If you are in a very small room and an adequate size cage for the bird takes up have of the room, you have selected the wrong bird species for you."

"Like any other pet, you need to do your homework before you buy it," cautions Doss, "I have an Internet website where people who are seeking information can log onto. I'm willing to help anyone who asks for it."

Visit Doss' website to read up on each of the five performing Amazons, order one of her two books, or purchase a copy of the Pepper poster artwork at http://www.parrothouse.com/amazingamazonsarticle.html. For questions, email Doss through this same website.