Cockatoos Attract Crowd at Downtown Northville Festival

Two white-feathered friends visited downtown Northville Friday, along with a crowd of humans, for the Buy Michigan Now Festival.

While people shopped for products from small businesses like MichiganderStore.com and Brewed Adornments, onlookers gathered around Winnie and Boogie, two umbrella cockatoos. The cockatoos perched calmly on the arms of whoever held them.

>>See the video above of the umbrella cockatoos at the Buy Michigan Now Festival.

Marie Keehl and Tom Pokryfka, of Ypsilanti, brought their pet cockatoos along to enjoy the festival. Kids and adults alike took turns holding Winne, a 14-year-old cockatoo, and Boogie, an 8-year-old cockatoo. 

Pokryfka said they live at home with them as any other pets would and often go out on excursions.  They adopted Winnie eight years ago, Keehl said, through the Rainbow Feather Bird Club and Rescue. Boogie is a new addition to the family. They adopted him nine months ago, Pokryfka said. 

Keehl said those interested in keeping a pet bird have to do their research first. Umbrella cockatoos, also know as white cockatoos, are gentle and known to be good companions. 

Did you see the cockatoos at the festival? Did you hold them? Tell us in the comments.