Community Mourns Caldwell Birdman as Blue-and-Gold Macaw Enters Foster Care

Bali, a blue-and-gold macaw believed to be around 30 years old, was taken into foster care by What the Flock Rescue after the unexpected death of her longtime owner, known locally as Gary. Idaho News 6 reporter Victoria Rodriguez documented that Bali was a familiar sight for years outside the McDonald’s on Linden Street in Caldwell, Canyon County, Idaho.

What the Flock Rescue director Hayley Smiley said she received a call about the bird a few days before the pickup. “A couple days ago, I got the call that there was a blue-and-gold macaw in Caldwell that needed to be picked up,” Smiley said. “When I realized it was the Caldwell bird, I knew a few people would know her — but I did not expect this.” Smiley coordinated the transfer that placed Bali into foster care with caregiver Laura Patton.

Smiley described an immediate outpouring of support from Caldwell residents. “My feed is just so long. I’m getting calls all day long,” Smiley said. “The community loves her and wants to support her and is sending her toys and was able to cover her vet visit that she just went to, and she’s as healthy as can be.” The reporting notes that community members rather than the rescue were explicitly credited with covering Bali’s recent veterinary visit.

Neighbors and acquaintances remember Gary for quiet generosity as well as for walking Bali around town. Pickens recalled Gary’s willingness to help people in need: “There were several homeless people in the community that he would give them a place to sleep,” Pickens recalled. “Even though he had nothing, he would still feed them. He was a good man.” Those encounters, and Bali’s presence near the McDonald’s on Linden Street, cemented the pair as a local fixture.

Foster caregiver Laura Patton said Bali has deep attachments after decades with Gary. “She’s been with Gary for 27 years, and so it’s not uncommon for us to not really see much of her personality for a little bit,” Patton said. Idaho News 6 noted Bali’s age is relatively young for her species; macaws can live 60 years or more with proper care.

Bali remains in Patton’s care while What the Flock Rescue works to identify a permanent home. The rescue has not named a permanent adopter and has fielded many inquiries and offers of support. Photographer and reporter credit for initial coverage is Victoria Rodriguez of Idaho News 6. For now, Bali’s immediate medical and enrichment needs are being met through foster care and the community donations that Smiley described, and the rescue continues its search for a long-term placement.