Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.
Where Hope Takes Flight
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You know, there’s something magical about historical wildlife rescue stories and how August 27 connects to our work here at the sanctuary. It’s like the universe decided this date should be a crossroads where monumental historical moments collide with the everyday miracles we witness. Clearly, looking back through August 27 historical events and our own Facebook memories from our animal sanctuary, I’m struck by how these sanctuary history tales weave together in the most unexpected ways – from volcanic eruptions to civil rights marches to the rescued birds we’re caring for right here in Louisville.
Let’s start with the big one: August 27, 1883 – the day Krakatoa erupted with such force that people heard it 3,000 miles away. Furthermore, This explosion was so powerful. it literally changed weather patterns around the globe for years. Sound familiar? Similarly, every time we get a call about a massive rescue – like that day in 2020 when I handled 60 animals in one go with zero help – I think about how August 27 history connects these moments of wildlife rescue across time.
However, that explosion killed over 36,000 people, but it also taught us about resilience, about how life finds a way to rebuild even after complete devastation. Likewise, just like the birds we rescue who’ve lost everything – their homes, their families, their ability to fly – yet somehow find the strength to trust again. These are the historical wildlife rescue stories that teach us about rebuilding after devastation.
Fast forward 80 years to August 27, 1963 – the day 200,000 people marched on Washington, D.C. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, reaching a pivotal moment for the civil rights movement. Moreover, that march embodied years of preparation, countless small acts of courage, and ordinary people choosing extraordinary action. The most powerful historical wildlife rescue stories often mirror these moments of collective courage.
This pattern repeats in our daily work. Every single day, our volunteers make that same choice. when Kim Pike Wiseman posted about those baby animals whose mama died in the storms on August 27, 2023, she was carrying on that same spirit – seeing a need and stepping up, no questions asked. In fact, this is what August 27 historical events teach us about animal sanctuary work – it’s about ordinary people making extraordinary choices.
Here’s what gets me about August 27 history and our wildlife rescue memories over the years:
For example, 2023: Raylin charming crowds at the Kentucky State Fair (community building), an injured dove rescue (individual compassion), and Kim’s storm orphan rescue (disaster response)
Meanwhile, 2021: Me and Misty on the road to Birmingham, getting French fries and “Misty chickening down the road” (the journey continues, even when you’re tired)
Additionally, 2020: Those 60 animals in one rescue, duck families in our backyard, and me posting about working alone (overwhelming need, yet unexpected visitors reminded us why we do this)
Subsequently, 2019: Shazam being everyone’s “welcome wagon,” Misty as my “partner in crime” on Broadbent runs, and that unauthorized intruder Jax and Axel were guarding against (community, partnership, protection)
Finally, 2025: And here we are today – ducks getting ready to fly off and start their own adventures, geese who’ve decided our yard is home sweet home, a young raccoon patiently waiting for some siblings to show up, and yes, the parrots staging their own little escape attempt to the great outdoors. Same themes, different year – growth, belonging, family, and the eternal quest for freedom. Each year adds new chapters to our collection of historical wildlife rescue stories.
You see, August 27th keeps teaching us the same lessons, whether we’re talking about volcanic explosions, civil rights marches, or a ringneck named Shazam greeting visitors: What makes historical wildlife rescue stories so compelling is how they reveal universal truths.Specifically,
- Small actions create massive ripples
- Community response matters more than individual heroics
- Often, the most important moments happen when nobody’s watching
- Recovery and rebuilding take time, but they always happen
- Sometimes you create the best adventures when you break free from the expected
| Year | Global Event | RFPS Moment | Common Theme |
| 1883 | Krakatoa erupts | Catastrophic events demand community response | |
| 1963 | March on Washington | Collective action creates lasting change | |
| 2014 | National Dog Day crew photo | Celebrating the helpers | |
| 2016 | Multiple bird care posts, Einstein quote | Daily acts of wisdom and care | |
| 2017 | Neiko’s bath, Sunny’s ceiling perch | Individual attention within community | |
| 2018 | Pearl’s “Hi Pearl-ing,” bird molting progress | Communication and transformation | |
| 2019 | Shazam the welcome wagon, Misty partnership | Building bridges, working together | |
| 2020 | 60-animal rescue, duck family visitors | Overwhelming need met with determination | |
| 2021 | Road trip with Misty | The journey continues | |
| 2023 | State fair outreach, dove rescue, storm orphans | Public education, individual care, disaster response | |
| 2025 | Ducks ready to fly, geese claiming home, raccoon awaiting family, parrots exploring freedom | Graduation, belonging, patience, adventure |
Speaking of today’s August 27 history – we’ve got our own wildlife rescue moment unfolding right here. Presently, those ducks we’ve been raising? They’re at that magical point where their wings are strong enough to carry them wherever their hearts desire. It’s bittersweet, watching them test their flight muscles.
Simultaneously, meanwhile, our geese have made a different choice entirely – they’ve decided our yard isn’t just a stopover, it’s home. They’ve claimed their territory with all the confidence of settlers who staked their claims. And honestly? We’re honored to be chosen.
Then there’s our young raccoon, sitting patiently like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, knowing that somewhere out there, more little ones are going to need a safe place to land. Here’s what I’ve learned about rescue work – you’re always preparing for the next wave, the next family that needs rebuilding.
And the parrots? Well, they decided today was their day to stage a little rebellion and explore the great outdoors. Nothing says “we’re feeling confident and healthy” quite like a jailbreak attempt! It’s like they were celebrating their own personal independence day, right here on this historically significant date.
Here’s what I’ve learned from studying both world history and our own little corner of it: the dates don’t make the moments special – the moments make the dates memorable.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s birth on August 27, 1908, came with no hint he’d become president during America’s most turbulent times. That first oil well drilled in Pennsylvania on August 27, 1859, couldn’t have foreseen changing the entire world economy. Starting this sanctuary, I never dreamed we’d be handling 3,000-5,000 cases a year, or that I’d be writing about ducks ready to fly and geese who’ve adopted us.
Essentially, but that’s the thing about August 27th – it’s a day that reminds us that history isn’t just about the big names and famous dates. It’s about the accumulation of choices, the daily decision to show up, to care, to act when action is needed. It’s about ducks learning to fly, geese choosing to stay, raccoons waiting for family, and parrots reminding us that sometimes the best adventures happen when you push the boundaries.
As I write this on August 27, 2025, watching our ducks prepare for their maiden voyage while our geese patrol their adopted territory, I’m thinking about all the August 27ths yet to come. Specifically, what moments are we creating today that will echo through the years? What small acts of kindness are rippling outward in ways we can’t even imagine?
Perhaps it’s those ducks we’re about to release, carrying with them the memory of human kindness as they join wild flocks across the continent. Could be our resident geese, proving that sometimes home isn’t where you’re born, but where you’re loved. Or that little raccoon, teaching us about patience and hope while we wait for the next chapter of his story to unfold.
August 27th keeps returning, offering us another chance to make history – not the kind that gets written in textbooks, but the kind that gets written in hearts, in healed wings, in second chances, and in the quiet moments when we choose compassion over convenience.
Ultimately, what will your August 27th story be? Therefore, every day is a chance to create ripples that will be felt for generations. Therefore, the birds are waiting, the community is here, and the next chapter of history is being written right now – one duck learning to fly, one goose finding home, one raccoon waiting for family, and one parrot discovering that sometimes the best adventures happen when you spread your wings.
Want to be part of our August 27th legacy? Visit us at www.rfpsinc.com or follow our daily adventures on Facebook @ruffledfeathersparrot. Because sometimes the most important history happens one rescued life at a time.
– Brad Harmon, Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc. 4700 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40216
- Goose Injuries and Wildlife Tales: A Day to Remember
- Wildlife Rescue Stories: Raccoons, Opossums, and Goslings
- Running Several Days Through At Once To Get Caught Up(Opens in a new browser tab)
- May 6: A Day of Historical Triumphs and Sanctuary Tales
- May 10 Reflecting on Success: Celebrating Progress at Ruffled
Raylin had a blast and was a big hit again this year at the Kentucky state fair. He loves to get out and mingle with the…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2023
Yesterday I got a call about an injured dove at about 3pm. I told them if they hurried they could get it to broadbent…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Sunday, August 27, 2023
The recent storms were rough for everyone….. humans and animals alike. Their Mama’s never came back and they needed a…
Posted by Kim Pike Wiseman on Sunday, August 27, 2023
Update from Birmingham, Alabama. We are fueled up and Misty has gotten her French fry and we are Misty chickening down…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Friday, August 27, 2021
The duck babies and their momma snuck into our backyard again. They are getting so big. I’m sure they will fly off soon. -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Thursday, August 27, 2020
60 animals in one rescue. No help at all.😢
Posted by Brad Harmon on Thursday, August 27, 2020
My pretty pretty pretty boy Shazam. Everyone that comes to my house loves Shazam. He’s my welcome wagon. Have a good day! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Fun Lunch Time Bird Facts: In Thanks It was once thought that the Chimney Swift, which nests in chimneys, dropped a…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Misty is my partner in crime a lot of times on trips out to Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary. She loves to stand in my…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Monday, August 27, 2018
I caught Pearl mid sentence. She was was Hi Pearling me. This baby loves going bye bye. Have a good night! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Monday, August 27, 2018
Fun Lunch Time Bird Facts: Humming a Different Tune # In spite of their name, hummingbirds do not hum but make a…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Monday, August 27, 2018
Well shredding them at least. Lol look at how much different he looks. I can even tell he looks like a whole new bird already. Have a great Monday everyone. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Monday, August 27, 2018
You do not belong on Dixie Hwy. Go home you’re drunk. Lol I made an extra trip out today for this special one that was…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Tuesday, August 27, 2019
We have an unauthorized intruder. Jax is on first shift tonight and axel will work the next. They used to be able to…
Posted by Brad Harmon on Monday, August 26, 2019
Birds of Eurasia: Mute Swan While short-necked birds like the Coot must dive in search of their food, the swan is able…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Neiko got a nice warm bath today. I'm hoping it helps with some of her pesky pin feathers, especially since she won't let me help! Uncle Brad is the only one privileged enough! LoL -Bethany
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Kikis has had it rough today. He got to shower, play outside, and is hanging out on the furniture. He's making this face…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Sunny girl is in her favorite spot. She loves to hang from the ceiling. It gives her a full view of the bird room and an advantage over all the over birds. Take care! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Our illusive Quaker parrot says "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." First…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Rudy is awake early on this Sunday morning. I don't know about you but he doesn't look happy about it! Lol Have a great day! -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Sunday, August 27, 2017
Birds of Eurasia: Kittiwake One of the most graceful and buoyant of gulls in flight, the Kittiwake is probably the…
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
Stormy is really enjoying the chop tonight! My little piggy🐷 loves his food! Have a great evening everyone!-Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
This is a noble looking bird. Can you name this one? – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
I thought this was a sweet picture.Kiki is posing while Sweetie and JoJo are just like ENOUGH with the pictures mom! Lol -Tara
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
Hey!! That's my ear!! LoL I had just gotten out of the shower and for some reason Neiko would NOT leave my ear alone. Maybe he was angry that he didn't get a shower too! -Bethany
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
Magic & headless bird say “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” First said however by Albert Einstein. – Brad
Posted by Ruffled Feathers on Saturday, August 27, 2016
Me and the crew for national dog day. Had to crop part of them out to make them all fit. Lol
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Posted by Brad Harmon on Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Where Hope Takes Flight
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