Cockatiel, Teen Rescued from Tree by Orange County, CA, Firefighters

Oct. 25, 2024

Residents applauded as the Orange County firefighter caught Tweedy and brought him down the ladder.

Firefighters are known to get calls to rescue cats from trees.

Now, Orange County Fire Authority firefighters are adding a Cockatiel rescue to their response list.

Firefighters used their ladder truck to reach the teen who became stuck while trying to rescue Tweedy, often seen riding on his sister-in-law's shoulder, NBC4 reported.

With the teen safely on the ground and anxious neighbors watching, a firefighter on the aerial reached for Twedy, who flew away out of reach a few times.

But, the firefighter prevailed. He was met with applause as he descended with Tweedy in his gloved hand.

Both the teen and Tweedy are OK.

Firefighter Erik Miranda told reporters crews are happy with the successful operation.

The teen, his family and neighbors praised firefighters for coming to their rescue.

“I hear the “squawk!.” And the bird came down with the guy,” said Craig Nida, a neighbor. “I was amazed, I’ve never seen anything like that before!."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.