Snowball (TM) and Irena on The Late Show

Snowball (TM) and Irena's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc. is currently raising funds to build a bird habitat for Snowball and other birds like him. Please visit our web site www.birdloversonly.org to receive Snowball DVDs, shirts, and other items in return for your donations! We thank you so very much for your generous support!
Please also visit our blog at www.birdloversonly.blogspot.com for up to the minute information about Snowball and his whereabouts.

[@eatme00o00]

the bird was nervous and looking at the owner for approval how sweet

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball doesn't get nervous. He doesn't like strangers poking fingers at him and then hovering over him while he's trying to dance. Snowball was quite leary of Dave after that. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@verticalsmurf]

I'm amazed he did so well, I assume he is used to dancing in a house, surrounded by other birds and in a comfortable environment. The fact that he was rockin it out - even a little bit - on TV, after being transported from Britain and placed in unknown surroundings is AWESOME!!

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@TheAliakorayem Snowball is definitely NOT shy. He loves to have an audience. However, it is a distraction for him when people applaud or laugh in the middle of dancing. And sometimes he stops dancing just to look around and see if everyone is watching him...then he goes back to dancing. LOL Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only

[@Meridianbengals]

David was really kind of an A-hole about the whole thing. Hovering around Snowball and pointing. Obviously he's not a bird-person. Snowball still did great under all that pressure and new situation chaos.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

No one trained him. This is just Snowball enjoying himself through dance. He LOVES music! Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Letterman made ME nervous! :D Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Our birds are like our children...they are a permanent part of the family. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

David's presence did seem to unnerve him, and the crowd noise distracted him from the music. When we were in the green room right after his segment on stage is when he put on an awesome performance. The folks in there got the real show! Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

No one taught him to dance. Many birds like to dance. Some hop, some sway, some bob up and down...Snowball is the choreographer of the bird world. He creates new dance steps randomly. We will have a Christmas DVD out shortly which highlights a new dance step he created a couple of months ago. He blows kisses to the rhythm of the music. No joke! Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Not really stage fright. The volume of the audience distracted him. He did great during the rehearsal...and he was FANTASTIC in the green room afterward. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@skibum2801]

I looove him! His dancing is just such a joy to watch. Poor guy must have been so nervous though with the audience there.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball put on quite the show in the green room right after we walked off this stage. He was headbanging for the crowd backstage. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

If the audience gets louder than the music it becomes a distraction. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@JLL118]

I watched DL that night just to see Snowball dance. I felt so bad for Irene and Snowball that the audience made so much noise, that Snowball couldn't really do his thing. He is the ultimate bird.

[@birdlady423]

That must have been so exciting to be on David Letterman's show. That would be great if you could go back and talk about the importance of bird rescues. Blessings & love from Linda K & Geronimo

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Actually, the audience was so loud that they distracted him. He really doesn't have stage fright...he's quite the ham. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@myboomstick]

LOL poor birdie was so nervous he shat on David's chair! xD

[@seahorseprmj]

oh the timing was perfect! look how snowball gets right in front of david like "and this is what i think of your tv show."

[@braycy]

I love your special friend, only a bird lover would know how truly loving a bird is. I have a cockatiel and was amazed at the beauty of snowball and love his dancing! Thankyou so much for sharing! loved it!

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball is a rescue bird that has been given sanctuary here. He continues to draw international attention. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@auntphibian]

Irena - Snowball always cracks me up! I love how he bobs his head on the OOh parts! We have GOT to get our 'toos together!

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball is 12 years old, but he's been a rebellious teenager for a few years already. :D Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

I am ALWAYS nervous! I'm glad Snowball is the star and that people hardly notice me because of it! LOL Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Yes, the laughter and applause did distract him. He's used the smaller crowds that come here to film him and take pictures, he wasn't used to having such a large audience. But he did put on a heck of a show after walking off stage when we were in the green room. LOL Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BongoandReikiT]

Snowball was just intimidated by the crowd, I think. He looked kind of freaked out when the audience reacted. He's just used to doing this with a small audience.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

It means a few different things when the crest goes up...but in the case when Snowball is dancing, it means that he is excited. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only

[@GetMeThere1]

He did great, considering the interference from the audience. Too bad they couldn't have understood that he would have done a lot more if they had been quiet.

[@videogirlLen77]

that's so sweet and smart!!!! love Snowball!!!

[@rebornnemesis27]

Yeah that bird is an incredible dancer.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Birds go through adolescence at different ages. The smaller conures may go through adolescence around 3 or so years of age, whereas an African Grey may go through adolescence around the age of 5 or so (these ages are approximations). Hormones kick in as they go through adolescence and their personalities begin to change. They become more selective as to who they want to be with and may even become aggressive with those that they don't want a relationship with. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball and Irena can be seen on Animal Planet's Most Outrageous Animals on the following days and times (EASTERN TIME): May 9th at 5pm May 11th at 9pm May 12th at 12am & 4am Check local listings for days and times in your area. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@joker4reality Although he enjoys dancing with me, he dances on his own. If you look at his other videos, there is no way I can do the moves that he does...I'd end up hurting myself if I did. Irena Schulz

[@BirdLoversOnly]

I'm a molecular biologist by trade. I worked in research for many years before I switched to taking care of birds full time. I am once again involved in research involving cognitive music studies revolving around Snowball with Dr. Ani Patel from the Neurosciences Institute. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Dance, play with toys, chew up whatever he can. His favorite 'treats' are pistachios and pine nuts...but he does like nutriberries also. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

He's been on tv many times. We will both be on Good Morning America in June to kick off the World Science Festival. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@V742]

They might be freaking out, angry or excited. When Snowball raised it at David, it meant "If you value your balls, hands off."

[@Hyrina]

Yeah, I used to own 5 cockatiels and they'd get spooked really easy. I can imagine how the audience would distract him a lot.

[@jav109]

Oh my gosh, he is sooooooo cute! I never knew he went on TV! He looked so nervous, the poor little thing. That's probably why he has a little "accident" on David's chair :P

[@WrathGirl666]

Lol well at least Snowball is honest about the David Letterman show. Thank you Snowball for providing me with a laugh :D.

[@chapmando2007]

Snowball is awesome.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

I guess that's better than Snowball biting him. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@awspot]

that is soo cute!!

[@BirdLoversOnly]

He doesn't get stage fright, but it does freak him out when the entire audience lets out a big laugh or applauds. It throws him off.

[@rammista]

Great question! Snowball traveled with me on board the plane. There was no way I would have let him go in the cargo hold. I had to take him out of his carrier for security to examine the carrier and Snowball. Security determined that he was not a suicide bomber and let us on the plane. :D Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@Ibhenriksen Yes, we did need to go through a rehearsal because we had to do a sound level and make sure that the chair that Snowball was dancing on wasn't made of slippery material.

[@BlackOfJuly]

Too bad Snowball didn't poop on Letterman's head...woulda served him right. All thumbs up to Snowball, adorable bird, keep on groovin'!

[@physsnake]

LMFAO when I saw a poop at the end ! XD

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Everyone on the show had a great sense of humor. No worries. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball did become distracted by the volume of the audience's laughter. He loves to dance for an audience but the thunderous laughter did distract him. :D Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@detroitmuscle66]

she goes to my church and is supposed to bring it to the service to dance in a couple weeks. maybe ill come back from campus to see it.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball is a sanctuary bird at Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc. Please visit our main web site where you can receive Snowball DVDs, shirts, and other items for your donations. Thank you so very much for your support!!!

[@jabbabird]

I always knew that Snowball was a star! Good for you. Were you nervous? Poor Snowball kept getting started and then everyone would laugh and spook him. lol

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Yes, we do clip the birds' wings to prevent them from flying into something that could hurt them. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@r5sec5cyl]

Absolutely, Fergusson is the best host I've ever seen and the only night show host with originality

[@nameofthepen]

Heck, everyone gets stage fright at first. Especially in front of a live audience. Why not get a little boom box, take him out now and then to, say, a park for instance, set him up on the back of a park bench (or whatever), turn on the music, and let him get used to those sudden bursts of laughter and applause when he starts dancing. Then, next time he hits the big-time...he'll be a seasoned public performer. :-)

[@dpgerarddp]

Cool snowball was shy hes like a normal human haha =D

[@wavesdvdcom]

At least he left a gift for Dave. LOL. Just what Dave deserved for pointing his finger at him.

[@silentArtist00]

The bird looks like he has stage fright D:

[@UFOphotos]

His so qute :)

[@Jahkillian]

Poor snowball... Stage fright.... AHAHH the poop part just came on...lol

[@miaoulx]

Thanks so much Irena!!! (^-^) There's a real need for animal sanctuaries run by people like Irena. You can donate using the 'google checkout' donation thing next to the video, or send funds to: Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc. PO Box 552 Dyer, IN 46311

[@orlock20]

Birds dance to the beat. Laughing is not a beat hence it confused the bird which was trying to find the beat in the laughing. The bird was probably also trying to take in the visual element of the audience too. Birds are easily distracted.

[@TheWingedDragonOfRaw]

wat an epic atare that thing has

[@Miss_Distress]

I always said Snowball needed to be famous! Congrats :) Pity he wasnt treated with a bit more care on the show. But still cute ;)

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball is hosting a dance-a-thon fundraiser for needy children. We are raising money to purchase clothes and toys for them for Christmas. Please go to the Bird Lovers Only Rescue blog for more details. SNOWBALL NEEDS SPONSORS! Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Snowball doesn't seem to care for syncopated rhythms. Very perceptive of you! Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@Loverleezack]

they should have asked the audience tp hold the applause, it made him nervous.

[@darkangelalltheway]

poor snowball he wanted 2 dance but that bloke kept scareing him,snowball is a sweetie, i love the way he was dancnin wen u were walkin off bless him,,,, by the way wot does it mean wen the crest stands up??

[@xAubreyDeAnnex]

@joker4reality Really? So.. Basically, do you have a dog? Does it play by itself? Doesnt a dog like it better when you play along with him? Birds are like PEOPLE, as is any animal. The only thing Irena is doing his bonding with him, by dancing along with him. She doesnt dance to make him dance, Just to have fun with him and bond.

[@UknownLoneWolf]

i miss my baby birdy :'( he looks just like her but she had 1 leg :'(

[@skyedots]

snowball:ehh this guys scaring me (poops) well i guess ill ive it a shot (dances) (stops) hes scaring me! MOMMY!!

[@kevinvisible]

i watched that show and found out it had vids on youtube,hahah

[@larryrael]

I love your bird! Can he dance on his own or do you have to dance in front of him? Because I guess if you have to dance then he is just imitating you. If he can dance independently it proves that animals can have a sense of rhythm.

[@NotoriousLlama]

Thats good.. mine just flapps around. lol

[@yyoveltube]

i dont get how he was aggressive to his previous owner hes so friendly!

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@Chocolatesprinklesx1 Yes, Snowball does talk. And he can be very opinionated at times...especially during his "It's not fair!" rant. LOL Irena Schulz

[@foxpawz]

@Stiletos i have a bird...i just don't think people even most pet bird owners -- don't know much about birds and their behaviors. you can't really blame them, i doubt Letterman knew much about birds. he's not an avian vet, he's a talk show host. and i freaking love both birds and DAVE. in fact i think he is very intelligent. he's just putting on a comedy show, the bit with the stool was hilarious.

[@alldeepblue]

this bird is like the Pootie Tang of Cockatoos

[@Susej0]

hes shy hahaha

[@Hyrina]

Aww, he had stage fright.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@Neithie Yes, I think he/she is talking about pronunciation also, but it's a very odd comment to make. Even within the United States, we have several dialects but no one criticizes the other for a slightly different pronunciation.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

Please go to Bird Lovers Only Rescue's main web page to receive books, DVDs, tshirts, and other items in return for your generous donation.  Your donations are tax deductible and help keep us in operation by providing for food, vet visits, and toys. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@DInfinity I didn't forget to mention that cockatoos are from Australia. I was told to answer Dave's questions and nothing more. Also...I'm not sure what you mean by Cakatoo? I don't see anything in print with that incorrect spelling. I am fully aware that Snowball is a cockatoo. I'm a bit confused by your comment. Irena Schulz

[@BirdLoversOnly]

@17CrazierThanUWannaB You can only trademark goods and services associated with a name. For instance, we may trademark plush toys under the Snowball trademark while no one else can. However, someone else can come along and trademark ski clothing under the Snowball trademark. As long as the goods or services do not overlap or infringe on another existing trademark. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue

[@Mstooey66]

Question, what do you mean by going through adolesence. I have a two year old rose breasted cockatoo. When is adolesence and what do they do, they dont turn on you do they.8i

[@BirdLoversOnly]

He dances on his own, but prefers encouragement from an audience. Irena Schulz - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@Tnem56]

How long did it take for you to get snowball to sit on your arm? and also how do you tell if it's a lesser or greater or whatever kind of sulphur crested?

[@Stratocaster42]

Aw :( Unfortunate that he didn't dance as well as usual and that he didn't get much of a chance to rock out like he normally does.

[@BirdLoversOnly]

The audience was quite loud and distracting. They just didn't understand that laughing or applauding could distract a bird. Irena - Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

[@foxpawz]

@RICbass78 i LOVE Dave. it's that sort of humor that makes me laugh the most. but craig is pretty awesome too :) Dave just tells it like it is. but he obviously loves his job or he wouldn't still be doing it.

[@rammista]

snowball

[@stellaamyshim]

bahaha i wonder that too, jalfredl.

[@miniskirtz]

he was too nervous poor thing

[@frigginjoe]

The noise, setting and obnoxiousness of a couple people really held back Snowball from showing his real stuff.

[@darkrev]

how come at 0:49 the bird is described as a "her" and at 0:56 we hear "his crest"

[@Neithie]

@BirdLoversOnly I think DInfinity is talking about pronunciation :)

[@jalfredl]

i wonder if Dr. Phil sat on the chair that the bird pooped on

[@MarieKerns]

Apparently Snowball doesn't like a lot of people watching him....either that or he doesn't like the talk show hosts, lol. I can see on the expression on Snowball's face that he was very disappointed and upset - especially when he heard everyone laughing at him. No surprise that he pooped on the chair.

[@Ibhenriksen]

How was your experience with Letterman? Did you have to do a rehearsal first?