Owner: Christopher Radcool Reynolds, Co-Founder, Reynolds-Sebastiani Design Services

Birds’ Names: Loca and Edward the III, Zoila and Geoff

Breeds: Zebra Finches and Diamond Doves

As a boy, I dreamt about pet birds I could play with. As an adult, I'm realizing this dream and sharing it with others. At my work, we're making custom aviaries and birdcages for clients' homes and gardens. A friend asked recently how I became the crazy bird guy. My response was simple, "I was bored." I am passionate about design, gardens, and construction, but when those things became second nature I wanted something new to explore.

While watching YouTube videos of free-flight birds, I was surprised to discover that with a little conditioning, letting birds out of their cages for free flight is simple. Virtually all birds can be let out either inside or outside, though extra caution should be used if you are considering letting your birds free fly outside of your home. Letting your birds out to fly is as natural and necessary as taking your dog for a walk. They learn to expect it and need the exercise. They will return, on their own, to rest in the security of their cage.

I think all people are inspired by the freedom of flight. Everyone has dreams about flying, but the closest I have come to it in reality is by watching my birds fly.

Owner: Alysia Sebastiani, Co-Founder, Reynolds-Sebastiani Design Services

Bird Name: Sherbs

Breed: Canary

There it was in all its glory. The orange and gold Hendryx birdcage sent down from the heavens. I fell in love. It was gorgeous, and due to my obsession with interiors, I couldn't stop thinking about it. We clearly needed each other. Soon after, I rescued it from the window of a bird store in Noe Valley called The Animal Company. It was perfect. But what was I gonna put in it? A plant? Taxidermy from my grandparents? Or nothing at all?

It hadn't even occurred to me that I would put a real bird in it. Until I met a breathtaking sherbet-colored red factor canary, who I now call Sherbs. He just happened to match my living room. I was told that he would sing to try and attract a mate, but I had no idea how spectacular his concert would be. Like most music, listening to Sherbs is very therapeutic. I look forward to hearing his song in the morning when I wake up and in the evening when I come home.

Since, I have built him a custom aviary so he can truly spread his wings. In the end, the cage that brought us together sits empty, but just as beautiful as ever.

Owner: Chan Quach

Birds’ Names: Bella, Rudy

Breed: 7-month-old Scarlet Macaw, 2-year-old Greenwing Macaw

My birds are like my human children. They rely on my daily routine and may panic or become cautious when there is change in the environment or in my schedule (though it is good to sometimes surprise them). They are flock birds, so they always want to be in your presence and miss you dearly when you don't come home or change your routine. They become very worried as shown in voice and body language.

One of the most challenging aspects of having them in my life is that it is extremely difficult to find someone that can accept them, too. Many admire them and are curious about me having them. However, I find many who are interested in establishing a relationship with me cannot handle the birds. Bird and human psychology are extremely sharp in comparison to dogs or cats. Though humans are highly intelligent, I find many not able to calm and stabilize their minds and behavior to a level that allows them to connect with birds.

Many of us tend to lose that ability to let go of control to openly and happily accept someone else like another human or in this case, a bird, to allow a loving relationship to develop. I have long desired to see this happen in my own life and find this person. I only hope that I can squawk and chirp to let my feathered children know so they can understand. In the meantime, I allow my mind, body, and soul to fly with them as we explore the world by bicycle.