Missing macaw causes turmoil in O’Fallon, Missouri

O’FALLON, Missouri – A year-and-a-half-old macaw remains at large after escaping days ago. The bird’s owners and local bird specialists are discussing how the bird will cope with the approaching cold front.

“With Louie, he just called us at the pet store and he just called us,” owner Chris Harsy said.

Since Louie’s adoption, the macaw has become a member of the family. He even gets along with their three dogs.

Harsy had been cleaning Louie’s cage for a few days when the bird flew out of the proverbial cage and out the door.

Louie went from tree to tree while Harsy and others tried to get him. Harsy and his family wonder why Louie escaped and hasn’t returned home yet. They believe it may have something to do with the bird’s friendly nature.

“He’s kind of playful and kind of lets you run around,” Harsy said.

The family has posted fliers throughout the neighborhood near the Falls Golf Club, where Louie was spotted.

“The foliage makes it hard to see and reach,” Harsy said.

But given the threat of a drop in temperature, he is worried about the safety of his feathered friend.

“They’re a bit of a tropical bird and if it gets too cold it won’t do any good,” Harsy said. “I’m also worried that he won’t be able to find his own food if he’s gone for too long.”

Even if you can’t see Louie, you’re sure to notice the bird’s loud cawing, Harsy said.

“It sounds like nothing else here,” he said.

Harsy has no chance of saving him after local authorities and even city departments like the fire department only give the family tips on how to save him.

“Most places just want to give you information and show you how to get it to come down,” Harsy said, adding that the fire department referred them to a tree service.

Anyone who sees Louie in the neighborhood is asked to contact the Harsy family at 314-420-1353.