Community unites to help locate escaped bird through local social media
Since the end of July, Boaz has become a household name around Folsom. Boaz is colorful character who has been seen in many people’s backyards over the course of eight days, but he meant nor caused any harm. You see, Boaz is a unique 2 year old golden pheasant that has been roaming the community after he escaped from his cage recently, sending his owners, and much of the community hitting the streets, trails and the trees looking for him.
This story has a happy ending today, however, as Boaz was recently reunited with his human parents, Rick and Mary Clark of Folsom. It was July 31 that Rick and Mary discovered Boaz was missing from his pen in the backyard of their home that is near Blue Ravine Road and East Bidwell Street in Folsom. His cage had been chewed open by dogs who likely were trying to get to him when the Clark’s were not home.
For eight days and nights, the Clark’s made their way to many areas of Folsom as residents took to various social media pages, such as Folsom Chat on Facebook, reporting the sighting of the very colorful unique bird. In many cases, Boaz came right up to the windows of residents, but when strangers would get near him he took off on his way. After many social media posts and discussions, it was obvious, the only way the Clark’s would be able to get their beloved bird back home would be if they lured them on their own, rather than that of strangers.
That opportunity finally became reality when the Clark’s received a phone call from a resident in Folsom Ranch who managed to close the wayward fowl in her garage. After nearly ten unsuccessful treks into the community before the phone call, the Clark’s quickly hopped in the car, hopeful this time would be the one where they would be reunited with their feathered family member. This is where the story of Boaz has a happy ending.
As they arrived at the home and entered the garage, Boaz immediately approached Mary, who long been the servant to the pheasant, when it comes to food at least. It was then they they were able to swoop him up in their net and bring him back home. Since returning home, Boaz is reportedly doing well, he was reunited with his mate, known as Ruth and they are living happily in their repaired and safe cage. “He’s doing great,” Mary shared on social media.
During his journey through the community, Boaz managed to travel approximately eight miles from home, if you are measuring “as the crow flies.” All puns aside, the Clark’s are grateful to have Boaz back home and grateful to the community who came together through social media in the search and ultimately, the locating of their bird, something that members of the community clearly enjoyed helping with as well, as they posted updates of sightings and photos of his latest whereabouts. The birdhunt became a communitywide adventure, all with a happy ending.
“Be sure to thank Boaz for taking us all on this fun community adventure,” said Ben Brown on the Folsom Chat Facebook page when it was announced Boaz was safely captured.
