EPCHS Cross County Runner Comes Full Circle Adopting Cocktiel He Painted From Imagination

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — For as long as he can remember, Daniel Kirincic has wanted a pet cockatiel.

"I have always liked birds. I grew up with two budgies," said Kirincic, a sophomore student and cross country runner at Evergreen Park Community High School. "But I always wanted to get a cockatiel. They are more tame, easier to train, friendlier, and seem smarter."

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Then came his 15th birthday. August 20, 2026.

Kirincic was on the outdoor track surrounding the EPCHS football field just after school getting ready for cross country practice when a bright yellow bird just happened to be sitting on the bleachers.

"He was just sitting there, unbothered by all the people. He had probably been outside for at least a few hours, and after a few more hours a hawk would have caught it."

After a closer inspection, Krinicic noticed the bird looked even more familiar. Not only was it the type of bird he wanted for many years, but it was nearly identical to one he drew and painted as part of an art assignment he completed during his freshman year at EPCHS.

The art project tasked students with creating something using three different styles, but using the same subject in all. Kirincic's art teacher, Libby McArthur, said his works of art featuring "a beautiful bird, the cockatiel" were inspired by artists Hannah Webb and Teddi Parker.

"I have always liked cockatiels, but never had one," Kirincic said. "I thought they would be fun to paint. Then, it just showed up. I looked back at the picture (of the artwork) and he looks just like it, even with the same light gray spots."

For the project in McArthur's class, Kirincic picked three cockatiels to create, two in acrylic paintings and a third in oil pastel.

Knowing the bird might not make it much longer outdoors, he called his mother to bring a net.

"When I first tried to catch him, he jumped onto the bleachers and was walking away. I grabbed him lightly with the net, and walked with him over to the 99th Street gate by the train tracks with him in my hand. My mom was there, and we put the bird in a cage."

At home, the bird felt comfortable "moving around the cage, had food, water and toys," Kirincic said. But shortly after, his mom said she found the owner through Facebook. When the owner was informed that the bird was safe, she willingly said he could keep it.

The bird's name is Tico, and he is very sociable and friendly. He loves people, and he gets lonely when nobody is around, which is why he was by the track near everybody.

When McArthur was shown the actual bird Kirincic found this year, she said he "was so excited that it matched his paintings."

"I am so happy that this fun twist of fate brought his paintings full circle," she said.

~Contributed by Tim Moron, EPCHS Staff Writer