One weird bird

SCHERERVILLE, Ind. - Snowball the cockatoo can't get enough of the Backstreet Boys. The 11-year-old medium sulfur-crested cockatoo lifts his legs, squawks and bobs his head, flashing his bright yellow crest to the beat of the boy band's "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." He even takes a bow with a vigorous bob of his head at the end of the 1997 pop tune.

When Snowball was given to a bird rescue shelter a few months ago, the man included the CD and instructions to watch his reaction.

Irena Schulz said she almost fainted at the sight.

"I'm thinking, `What on Earth is this? This is unreal,'" said Irena, who runs Bird Lovers Only Rescue with her husband, Chuck.

The couple said they have been contacted by people from around the world who have watched Snowball on the video-sharing Web site YouTube.

They have more than 30 birds in their home and many are available for adoption. "He makes a great spokesbird for the rescue," Chuck Schulz said.

Snowball has found his permanent home.

"He's my baby," Irena Schulz said. "He will stay here and be loved."