| Actual Image
Scarlet Macaw (34)
sandpiper2
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1595 W: 107 N: 3346]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (10814) | In Tarcoles, on the west coast of Costa Rica is the famous Hotel Carrara. Situated behind the attractive black sandy beach, the hotel is renowned for the frequent visitation of the very impressive Scarlet Macaws. They are wild birds and can be seen all over town, along the adjacent Rio Tarcoles and they breed in the nearby Carrara National Park. But the hotel’s trees are where they come to roost for the night and we saw up to 7 birds on each of the three evenings we were there.
On the second morning they hung around until well after dawn and I was able to get a few shots including this one, but they are naturally nervous and don’t allow you get too close. On the third evening, as we watched the sun setting over Pacific Ocean, the group flew around in a dazzling display that I will never forget, but I’ll post those ones next time.
Have a look in the WORKSHOP for a distant flight shot.
The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is a large impressive parrot with a length of 96 cm (36 in) and a wingspan of over a metre (38 in). They live in a variety of habitat from humid lowland rainforests and adjacent open scrubs, through savannah woodlands and larger urban gardens. They are found from locally coastal Mexico through Central America south into the Amazon basin of South America, but are not common anywhere except some parts of Amazonia. Unfortunately, the population of macaws has declined in Costa Rica since the 1960’s and there they are now only found on the west coast. Destruction of habitat and pesticide spraying were apparently the cause of the decline. The pet trade has also been responsible for their decline in some areas.
In the wild they can live to in excess of 70 years. They feed on a variety of large nuts, fruits and even flowers. They are also known to eat clay from river banks, which is thought to contain minerals that helps break down toxins in some of the unripe fruit they like to eat. They pair for life and only raise young every two years. The nest is usually in a large tree hallow.
Thanks for looking. |
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