Over the years, we’ve been joyed by the artwork created by a few truly extraordinary parrots, lovingly shared by their caregivers. A look through our article catalog will uncover some of these talented birds. These stories reveal just how unique parrots can be—often surprising us with their unexpected talents. Like humans, each parrot is a one-of-a-kind individual, never to be seen again in quite the same way. Some set themselves apart even further through the things they grow to love. Art is one such passion, especially abstract art, which resonates deeply in the broader world of creative expression and its many admirers.

Bruce is a 17-year-old parrotlet who resides with Tina Kirmis in Vancouver. Kirmis is a volunteer working at the Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary works on adoptions, surrenders, and overall care of birds in need of assistance. Kirmis adopted a then 9-year-old Bruce in 2016 to add to her adored flock of other parrotlets, budgies, cockatiels, and a 50-year-old Amazon parrot. Most of her rescued birds have health problems, including Bruce, who suffers from heart, liver, and cataract issues. Bruce has since lost most of his sight due to a seizure suffered in February (2025), with some vision in his right eye still available to him.

When Fruit Meets Paper: A Bird’s Artistic Side

With Bruce, it was quickly noted that his eating habits were more than a bit messy. His eating of fruit often resulted in splashes of fruit juice on walls and other out-of-bounds areas. Kirmis chose a light plastic cover called the “berry eating dome” to contain his messes.  The dome itself has a huge doorway cut out for Bruce’s easy entrance, and he can exit as he pleases. But Bruce loves eating inside the dome. With paper underneath him, the resulting mess from the berries has left amazing “art” that has become an interest.

In 2024, Kirmis wrote and published two children’s books featuring Bruce and his art. The first book, called “Bruce in His Berry Eating Dome,” is filled with photos and a tale of Bruce as he eats and creates. It is 48 pages of heart-warming prose that gives Bruce a bit of a celebrity status. The second book is called “Bruce’s Berry Good Art,” and its 48 pages contain a story on his “dreams” that lead to his expression of them on paper as he eats his meal of berries. Both books are available on Amazon here (Berry Eating Dome), and here (Berry Good Art). The profits from the books go to the previously mentioned Greyhaven Sanctuary (here) as well as The Nest (here).

Kirmis also started an Instagram page so people can become interested in birds and their care, in addition to her Facebook page. Both are under the name “Follow the Feathers,” where followers can find frequent, engaging posts with pictures, videos, updates on Bruce’s journey, bird care tips, rescue stories, and more delightful moments from her colorful flock.