the scarlet macaw

years ago on a trip to Costa Rica we came across a beach with a flock of scarlet macaws and i was hooked.  i had never seen such a magnificent bird. they are big and noisy and messy and dominate the environment.  

like choosing a favorite child, this is secretly my favorite bird.  i haven't seen any in Guatemala since i arrived and suspect they have been harvested to the point of extinction for their beautiful plumage.

i was thrilled to hear they have been reintroduced to the valley of Copan and thriving in the wild.  at the Hacienda San Lucas they encourage them to visit with nesting boxes on the property.  

the macaws welcome you at the entrance to the Copan ruins which is appropriate as they figure prominently in the Mayan story.  when i spot the first streak of red i am so happy to see them again.  we were told they are the birds used on the 'goal posts' of the ball court and it follows that their feathers would also be sought after by the royals for their costumes.  the ancient Mayan mythology refers to the scarlet macaw as the representation of the sun which is easy to imagine given the vibrant color of the feathers and regal way that they rule the sky.

there is a moment as we walk through the ruins when a group of 20+ macaws fly overhead - as noisy and playful as i remember - and everyone stands rooted where they are to watch the display.  there is a bird 'sanctuary' close to Copan called Macaw Mountain and i am excited to visit it to see the work they are doing.  



i left macaw mountain with very mixed feelings.  i didn't get an understanding for the impact they were having.  being a lover of wild life it was heart breaking to see wild birds kept in small enclosures and breeding cages while elaborate walkways and bridges had been constructed for people.  the staff encouraged visitors to touch, handle and hold the birds for a photo op which i see as enabling people to interact with wildlife in an inappropriate way.

i felt the organization could be more responsible in education and presentation about these wild birds and it seemed more like a zoo and less like a sanctuary to me.  i didn't voice my thoughts to the group but they talked about how much more satisfying it was to see the birds in the wild at the ruins than in the cages.