I've been thinking. Why can't I foster or board a BCC instead of jumping right in? I live about 20 minutes from The Bird Shop, and about 30 from the local parrot rescue and a new one opened in December 2013 only on the opposite side of town. Maybe this summer I can try that out.

That's a good way to get practical experience with a species, although obviously individual birds will be different from each other. Don't you have a total limit on the number of birds you can have though? I'm not sure whether temporary fosters would count against the limit.

Yes yes. Typo. I meant in a while. I have summer on the brain.

If you can, go for it! You might find out that actually the bird you THINK is the one you want the most has some traits you don't like that much.
Of course every bird is a different individual, but there are species traits that are found in all of them.

And there is a BIG plus: you'd be able to own, even though for a short period, types of birds you could only dream about!

I think you would be a great foster mom.

Most rescues give the choice to adopt permanently a bird you are fostering, so it's a win-win situation.

I think that is a wonderful idea!