Missing: Merlin, an African Grey Parrot

Merlin, an African Grey Parrot whose owner lives in South Whitehall, is missing.

His owner, Dana Van Horn, has been searching for him, handing out fliers to neighbors in a four-block radius of his home in the 1100 block of N. 33rd Street, and at the nearby Allentown Municipal Golf Course.

Have you seen Merlin?

Van Horn, who adopted Merlin five months ago from a young couple who couldn't spend enough time with him, said he liked to take Merlin outside in his backyard whenever he was weeding and doing other yard work.

He took Merlin outside on Saturday in a small cage, but forgot to double lock one of the doors. "He put his weight against it, it opened, and he flew away," Van Horn said. 

Merlin is 13 inches tall with a red tail and weighs a couple pounds. Van Horn said he flew southwest from N. 33rd Street, toward the Allentown Municipal Golf Course and Wegman's.

According to Wikipedia, African Grey Parrots are intelligent birds and feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and leafy matter. They have a gentle nature and an ability to mimic speech.

Van Horn said Merlin would likely be perched somewhere during the day, but in early morning and late night, would likely come down to the ground to feed.

Van Horn reported Merlin missing to South Whitehall police. He also has been out looking for him with Merlin's previous owner. He has handed out fliers to neighbors he sees while walking his dog, to a maintenance worker at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course and to someone in the club house.

Anyone who spots Merlin can contact his owner at 610-366-3781.