If there ever developed a 12-step fellowship for poor souls suffering from a condition known as “birdaholism,” UALR Professor Jeffrey S. Gaffney and his wife, Nancy A. Marley, might just make the organization’s perfect co-founders.

Gaffney and Marley are not simple hobbyists with a passing interest in ornithology–the study of birds–they are people who gladly embrace the label “birdaholics” as a point of pride.

They have recently highlighted their passion in their self-published book, “Confessions of a Birdaholic: A Journey from Cockatiels to Cockatoos and Beyond.”

The book includes photos of birds the couple have known and loved, as well as the definition of four stages of “birdaholism” in which they share stories of the birds that have enriched their lives.

The book is available on Amazon and has 63 “Likes” so far on the book’s Facebook page. Gaffney, who chairs the chemistry department at UALR, said he and his wife came to be known as “bird people,” so lost or unwanted birds often ended up with them, leading to their home being filled with many interesting and exotic feathered friends.

The (Benton, Ark.) Saline Courier recently profiled the couple not so much for prolific careers in environmental chemistry and climate change research but for their long love affair with all things ornithological.

The Courier reporter and photographer, Lynda Hollenbeck, featured photos of the scholars at home with their birds for the Jan. 11 edition in the paper’s Living Section.

In the article, Hollenbeck notes that although the couple’s home includes several birds, it is an umbrella cockatoo named “Angel” who rules the roost.

Angel has a 30 to 40-word vocabulary, including “I luvda Bulls!,” picked up from watching the Chicago Bulls playoff games during the years when Michael Jordan shined.

Gaffney and Marley noted in the article Angel’s ability to use phrases at appropriate times.

“If you start to pet him just the way he wants, he will turn his head up to you, roll his dark cockatoo eyes and say ‘I love you, babee’ in the softest, sweetest voice you have ever heard,” said Dr. Gaffney.

And when the Gaffneys leave their home in Benton, Angel wants them to wave and forlornly say “goodbye.”

Exotic birds, if they don’t suffer accidents or health issues, can live a very long time.

“That’s why it’s a huge commitment when you take one into your home,” Gaffney said.