If you have parrots or other pet birds, then chances are that you want to show them off to everyone you meet. What better way to do that than to take some amazing pictures of your pet?

Getting clear, crisp shots of a bird can be difficult to do, but knowing how to work with your little model can make things much easier. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and get ready to make your feathered friend a star -- these Bird Photography Tips will have you snapping magazine-worthy photos of your pet in no time!

Photo of Oliver, a male Indian Ringneck Parakeet (c) 2009 Alyson Burgess licensed to About.com, Inc.

Having to trim a bird's beak sounds kind of scary, but it is a necessary procedure for some owners and their pets. Much like our fingernails, a bird's beak grows continuously throughout its life. Because of this, the beak must be constantly ground down in order for it to function properly.

Normally, a healthy bird's daily activities include plenty of chewing, eating, and foraging, which help keep the beak ground down to the proper length and shape. Birds can also often be observed rubbing their beaks on rough surfaces to help the process along. Sometimes, however, beaks can become overgrown or misshapen, and require trimming to get them back in top condition. Check out this article on Beak Trimming to learn more about what to do if your bird's beak is in need of a trim.

Many people love to watch and interact with birds, but not all of them enjoy the array of noises that some species can produce! If you are thinking of adopting a bird, but would prefer that he or she share your love of peace and quiet, then consider some of the less vocal birds in this list of Quiet Pet Bird Species. While no pet bird is going to be completely silent, these species generally prefer to keep their voices down to an acceptable (and even pleasant) level.

In recent years, it's become more and more apparent that the title of "service animal" is not just for the dogs anymore. These days, more and more people are opting for non-canine assistants, choosing from several types of monkeys, miniature horses, and in the case of one patient, an African Grey Parrot named Sadie.

The use of exotic assistance animals such as monkeys and parrots has been a controversial subject. The patients that rely on these animals claim that they help them overcome their disabilities, yet many people question their legitmacy. Check out the whole story in this article on exotic service animals from the New York Times, and then post a comment below to share your thoughts with other readers.