Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA
Meet
Pico
Yellow-naped amazon. OB local.
Mascot of Ocean Beach Elementary School.
Yellow-naped amazon. OB local.
Mascot of Ocean Beach Elementary School.
About Pico
I hatched on March 6, 2024, which makes me very young and very wise. Ella — you may know her as the Parrot Lady of OB — rescued me from Tropic Island Bird and Supply, a beloved shop on Voltaire Street that served Ocean Beach from 2012 to 2025. I now live in OB full time, which is exactly where I belong.
"Rescued from Voltaire Street. Resident of Ocean Beach. Very important bird."
Yellow-naped amazons are known for their bold personalities, their affinity for conversation, and their excellent opinions. I am no exception. I am also exceptionally handsome, though I try not to make it a whole thing.
November 5, 2024
On November 5, 2024, Ocean Beach Elementary School held a schoolwide vote and selected The Ocean Beach Parrot as their official mascot.
I was honored. Naturally.
* Pico is aware there are other parrots in the OB flock. He has chosen not to dwell on this.
"I have opinions about bananas."
The Neighborhood
Ocean Beach is my neighborhood. I know the regulars, I know the pelicans, and I have opinions about the pier. Ella takes me out and the locals say hello. This is a good life.
The ocean air, the morning coffee smells drifting from the cafés on Newport Avenue, the way the light hits the water at 4 p.m. — all of it belongs to me now, in the way that a place can belong to you simply because you love it completely.
I wear my harness. I enjoy outings. I accept compliments graciously.
Press
The OB Minuteman — chronicler of Ocean Beach — has taken an interest in my career. I consider this appropriate. He covers the stories that matter to this community, and few stories matter more than mine.
Read about Pico in the OB Minuteman →The Parrot Lady of OB
Ella is my caretaker. The locals call her the Parrot Lady of OB, which she accepts graciously. I accept it on her behalf as well.
She rescued me from Tropic Island when it closed, and I have been repaying her ever since with companionship, commentary, and an excellent public presence. She brings me to the park. She handles my schedule. She takes very good photos.
My biographer — a native San Diegan, and Ella's husband — brought her to Ocean Beach about three years ago. They came here, I am told, to stay. To live out their lives in this neighborhood. I consider this wise. I have made the same decision.
OB is lucky to have them. It is also lucky to have me.
Patrons of the Arts
Every great artist requires a patron. The masters of the Renaissance understood this. I understand this. It is simply how civilization works.
Principal Patron
Ella, the Parrot Lady of OB
Provides housing, transportation, meals, and an excellent shoulder. Without her, none of this would be possible. She knows this.
Official Biographer · Stooge · Beloved
My Love
Documents my life for posterity. Reliable. Present. The heart knows what the heart knows.
Patron
Could Be You
Pico is accepting new patrons. It is a great honor and he will not pretend otherwise. Support him on Patreon.
Become a Patron