Jul 10 2008
Macaws
Photo by David Gordon
Bird people are definitely a different breed than dog and cat people. Or maybe I should put that differently. Birds bring out a different side of a person. I love birds. And I also really like dogs, cats, fish and a lot of other things that fly, crawl, run or swim.
I don’t have a bird, but I’ve always thought macaws were magnificent creatures. It’s their attitude that I really like. They’re noisy creatures; they make their opinions known, unlike a cat whose world is stealth. A macaw is noticed. they easily draw attention with their bright, flamboyant feathers.
Yet, they’re not really social birds. Most of the macaws I know tend to bond with their owner, and while they may be personable with others, they don’t seem to seek out a lot of outside human companionship.
Macaws can live for a long time–up to a hundred years, so if you get a baby macaw, chances are that it will outlive you.
I recently read the book Kon Tiki about six men who crossed the Pacific Ocean on a raft in 1948. They had a macaw with them who became part of the crew. Unfortunately, during a storm, it was lost overboard much to the distress of the rest of the crew.
There is something about these birds that is almost human. Maybe it’s their vocal ability or their sharp intelligence. Maybe it’s just that they’re so loud.
One Response to “Macaws”
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Thanks for your post. I passed up a Macaw years ago since I already had a conure I raised from a baby and a rescued cockatiel and parakeet. How I wish I had considered the macaw. Like a puppy dog at its cage begging “Take me home with you.” We had bonded within minutes. He must have know I was a bird person.