LoraKim Joyner's Blog, page 6

Partying and Productions for Parrots

One of the first film productions that came out of our Moskitia, Honduras project was made by Denise Richards of Dog's Life Productions, Free Flight. We had barely started the project when she jumped right in to document our efforts, knowing that something important was a foot and a wing. She rented a broken down truck, hired translator who struggled to translate, and got wet and muddy along with the rest of us. Denise Richards getting a little help crossing a creek on our way to study a wild macaw nest Because she came so early in this project, she was able to capture how urgent the problem was and how powerless we felt. So many birds were poached and the country and region was reeling from corruption, violence, and harm caused by special interest groups. Despite this the film captures the beauty and hope of what we might do together. Free Flight has been shown in many localities and has won awards, and we are delighted to have it be the first film we will show at our Parrot Holiday Party and Fundraiser on December 10 in Manhattan, NY. Below is a brief segment of that documentary, and the official trailer is here. The next film we will show at our Parrot Party is Yochi. This short film highlights the day to day struggles of the people in the Americas who are a mix: those loving their birds, to death, and those who cherish them to life, and what leads some of them to take birds illegally from their wild nests and families to sell in the domestic international trade. The film focuses on fictional brothers, both suffering from tragic loss and life’s challenges. One chooses at first to protect the birds, the other poaches them, and then love surprises them both. This film too is making the film festival circuits and you can find out more about the film and the wise and talented producers here, and watch the trailer here. The final film is an original screening for a newly released documentary, Poachers and Protectors, financed by USFWS and filmed and edited by Christi Lowe Productions. Like Yochi, it shows the lives of those who take birds, and those protect them, and how there perhaps is not much difference ultimately between them. This film was made at our Moskitia project, and by comparing it to Free Flight, the audience can see the development of our Moskitia project over seven years. Many lives have been nurtured and saved, and to those that have survived, the future is still tenuous. The film crew is shown in the first trailer below, and the documentary trailer is below that. Our hope by experiencing these films together during our Parrot Party and Fundraiser, we make sure that we build to a future for all, whether poacher, protector, producer, parrot, or partier. Please join us at the party, and if you can’t attend, you can support the cause of nurturing the many and the future in the very specific way of being a protector of parrots and the human communities near where they fly free. We love your yo! We hope by becoming part of our work, you will find what you have been looking for (music video of our 2nd year in La Moskitia).

Perfection in Parrot Conservation

Guanaja Island, Honduras: October 2018 Atop Guanaja Island counting the endangered yellow-naped parrot (below)Okay, first off, there is no such thing as "perfection" in conservation. It's an art that depends on so many factors, and the success of which depends on the relationships of the people and their commitment to each other, their sense of place, and the birds. Every project develops differently and at its own pace.Conservation success goes like a ship, you never know where the winds will take you, but with many taking charge and leading the way, you can make progress. Thanks to this team as shown in many photos below!Now having said that, my recent work in October 2018 with the people of Guanaja was an affirmation of how quickly conservation can happen when dedicated actors and resources come together to save an endangered parrot, such as the yellow-naped parrot on this island (the only parrot species on the island). The confluence of so many, doing much so, so quickly, was nothing short of a miracle. Merdado above (and above the island counting) and Derrick below, one of our captains It takes a boat to get to almost all the survey locations, which means there is always a chance for a swim! The team spirit quickly came together as we sport our "Parrot Fly Free" bands.For instance, I was met at the airport by 10 people, all ready to get going on conservation. While there, our team consisted of several local poachers and buyers, ecotourist operators, scientists from 3 countries, the government of Guanaja (including the mayor's office), boat captains, restaurant owners, land owners, veterinarians, interns, and dedicated conservationists already on the island. Marlon showing me where the parrots are flying.Within 5 days we accomplished a quick survey of the island using the "Fixed Transect Method of Rapidly Assessing the Minimum Number of Distinct Individual (MNDI) of Parrots" (LoraKim Joyner, in press, Yuum Revista). Team members boated, walked, climbed, and camped to get to survey locations, often up at 2:30 a.m. to get to sites by the 5 a.m. starting time. We did not adequately survey the West End of the island, nor did we survey all possible roost sites on the East End. But we did count in 19 areas to get a MNDI of 323. Roland Rumm, one of the leaders of this work, was injured on the first day of our work, but he was out counting parrots barely more than 24 hours later!Within these 5 days team members were soaked, dehydrated, tired, sleepy, bug bit, blistered, injured, and hungry, not just for food, but for safeguarding and replenishing the population of parrots on their island, and for others, on their homeland in the Americas where this species occurs. The team continued to work for another week after I left and already there are plans for a Rescue and Liberation Center, an education and awareness program, nest monitoring and protection activities, and building the team's infrastructure and capacity. Family at Roland's Roost working to liberate their parrots, and as they do so, they free themselves.This is such good news for the people and parrots of Guanaja! The bad news is that they don't really need me anymore, and I will have to come up with various excuses to revisit and be in solidarity with the picture perfect beauty of this island. I look to the future with them, and am gladSpecial thanks to Roland Rumm, Sue Hendrickson, and the Guanaja Island Municipality.

Rainbow Over Guatemala - Returning the Scarlet Macaw

De colores, de colores se visten los campos en la primavera De colores, de colores son los pajaritos que vienen de afuera De colores, de colores es el arco iris que vemos lucir Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a mí Y por eso los grandes amores de muchos colores me gustan a míAll the colors, all the colors of birdies, oh how they come back to us outside, All the colors, all the colors in rainbows we see shining bright in the sky, And that's why a great love of all colors makes me feel like singing so joyfully, And that's why a great love of all colors makes me feel like singing so joyfully The dream of scarlet macaws flying once more over Guatemala's Southern coast This is the time of the year where many in the Americas celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, All Hallows Eve, Halloween, Samhain, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. In this season we remember those we have lost. Through the pain, though we also remember the colors of their lives, such as the Mexican folk song, De Colores (above). The colors of life are so vivid, especially here in New England with the fall trees full of oranges, reds, and yellows. Here at One Earth Conservation every day is one of loss and colors. So many parrots are lost to the illegal wildlife trade within all our projects Not a day goes by that we don't see a little color slip from the world. Rainbow over project area in Honduras where few scarlet and great green macaws remain Many are bringing vividness back. Today we remember and celebrate the work of our collaborative group in Guatemala, COLORES (Corredor de Loros, Reservas, y Santuarios - Corridor of Parrots, Reserves, and Sanctuaries). Working closely with ARCAS, we finished our field season a few months ago, and have our annual report White-fronted amazon chick in an artificial nest box at one of our participating reserves, El Patrocinio One of our big efforts is to monitor and protect yellow-naped amazon nests at our six "hot spots" that are participating fincas (ranches) and parks. Startlingly, we were not able to confirm any successful nests during the breeding season, as the nests we confirmed were poached. But workers at two sites did confirm that a total of 3 nests fledged that we had not registered. These nests are hard to find, perhaps because the parrots after decades of poaching have grown more cautious. Climber from Wildlife Conservation Society, Guatemala (thank you WCS!) Jose Luis Caal We also conducted a population count at each location for a total of 136 birds in June: 5 singles, 36 pairs, 18 trios, and 1 group of 4. The trios and group of 4 likely represent parents with chicks, for a total of 20 chick. It appears that though we may not be able ourselves to easily locate successful nests some yellow-naped amazons are able to reproduce and escape the wildlife trade. Super thanks to Manuel Galindo Vásquez, our Project Coordinator 2017-2018 for COLORES! The overall population seems dangerously low, a small fraction of what it was 30 years ago, and the poaching continues. We need to step up our efforts, as do other collaborators within COLORES. One way we plan on increasing our impact and effectiveness is to dream even bigger. We strive to not only save the yellow-naped amazon, but to bring back the scarlet macaw that once flew over this region before the wildlife trade disappeared it from almost the entirety of its range in Guatemala. By building the infrastructure for reviving the yellow-naped amazon population, we prepare for the reintroduction of this species in this area. Our hope is that the colors that once flew here - the oranges, the reds, and yellows as seen in the scarlet macaw, return here. We do not forget neither the loss of our parrots, nor the bright colors of their regeneration. This project, "Rainbow Over Guatemala," is so named to indicate our promise to attempt this very difficult and complex collaboration, and to put to words the yearning we have for this rainbow bird to fly once again in our sky.

The Breath and Breadth of Forest and Parrot Protectors – La Miskito, Honduras

We visited our macaw conservation project in October, 2018, a good month after the last scarlet macaw chick fledged in Honduras along the Coco River that separates Honduras from Nicaragua. In the 6 communities in the core conservation area, which include Pranza, Mabita, Rus Rus, Suhi, Mocoron, and Wahabispan, we heard amazing stories of hardship, commitment, and success. Though only with 11 paid full-time positions for six months, (whose income is shared with over 80 patrollers) these communities attempted to protect 253,693 hectares (626,889 acres, or 980 square miles), sometimes walking up to 25 kilometers in one day, and camping nearly 27 kilometers from home for days at a time. In this area, we registered a total of 103 active nests during the breeding season, and another 12 deeper in the forest after the breeding season. This is up from 42 active nests registered in 2017, and means over 110 chicks were protected until they could fledge. Team on Mocoron River on way to community of Wahabispan to give results of project and plan with them for the coming year. All this was done on foot, horse, motorcycle, and bike, and for only one month, we had a rental truck. Because the expanse was so great and the resources so few, it is no wonder that we had 20% of our nests poached. The percentage of nests poached, however, is much higher outside of the core conservation area, approaching 100%, so we consider this year as a success as we learned about how to make improvements and changes to meet the difficult challenges that result from daring to preserve so much beauty that is at risk. This map highlights the Moskitia region of Honduras and Nicaragua and the white is the area patrolled by the forest protectors Our community coordinator in Rus Rus told me that this area, trees, creeks, and birds are the lungs of La Miskito, because it is one of the largest and most biodiverse segments left in the region. The land may be the lungs, but these forest protectors in the project are the heart. As they patrol along their beats, often trudging heavily through mud, rain, rivers, and fire, they allow us all to breathe easier and walk more lightly. Community of Rus Rus led by Marvin Valle This same coordinator told me that because the parrots are seed dispersers, they maintain the biodiversity and health of the forest. His job to protect the parrots insures that the birds can then seed the land, which in turn helps his people grow and live well “They are farmers just like us!” It’s one long chain, not of oppression, but of liberation. By keeping the birds free, everyone’s health is improved: the forest, the people, the air, the climate, and the spirits of those who are in solidarity with this cause.A chain of beauty protected and cherished in La Moskitia in our parrot conservation project here. Please join the cause, for yourself, for life. Make your donation as seed money for the next year. For less than half what one forest ranger makes in the USA in one year, we can pay these people to supplement their farming with a necessary cash income and give them the encouragement to save what they and so many others love. Imagine how much more they could do with your help. If possible, consider making a regular contribution so that we can plan to support these people regularly. If you are in the New York area, come celebrate and help us in person by attending our Holiday Parrot Party. We'd love to see you! In the meantime, thanks so much to all our donors and team members who make this success possible! Children of Wahabispan attend community organizing meeting as well (photo by Hector Portillo Reyes)

Parrots Grow in Brooklyn

Monk parakeets in Brooklyn on their stick nestsWhen I first heard about it more than four years ago, my reaction was, “Really!?!” Wild parrots in Brooklyn?!?I had first met LoraKim Joyner at one of her workshops and later learned she was leading a bird walk in, of all places, a cemetery in Brooklyn. To see parrots. Wild parrots. I thought, “I’ve got to see that!”So, I went and, sure enough, there were parrots. And there still are.On Saturday, September 29, 2018, LoraKim once again led a group of nature lovers on a parrot tour at the old historic cemetery in Brooklyn called Green-wood Cemetery. It’s a lovely place and we had perfect weather. This walk was the last in our 2018 series of Wild Walks around the New York City metropolitan area that included visits to the New York Botanical Garden (the Bronx), the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (Manhasset, Long Island) and our second walk in Central Park (Manhattan). In 2017, we offered our first walk in Central Park and also led a group to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens. But, so far, we have only seen parrots in Brooklyn.If you arrive at the cemetery’s front entrance at the right time, you will hear a chorus of unfamiliar squawks and see flashes of green in the sunshine that will prompt involuntary cries of, “Wow!” The steeple of the beautiful old gated entrance to the cemetery is covered with nests of sticks constructed by these green and gray residents, known as monk parakeets (a.k.a. Quaker Parrots). It turns out that this is the only species of parrot that builds nests of sticks rather than nesting in holes in trees. Natives of Argentina, there are many stories told about how these birds arrived in New York (even some that involve local mobsters!), but however they got here, they are thriving, as the weather in their native country is much the same as it is in New York.We witnessed a dramatic moment early in our visit when the parakeets, as well as many other small birds, began to loudly harass and chase a red-tailed hawk. Known as mobbing behavior, such a racket lets the predator know the element of surprise has been lost and alerts other birds in the area of a nearby threat. The hawk soon took off for quieter pastures as we discussed among ourselves how lucky we were to be able to cheer on the plucky parrots and their avian companions.With the colder weather arriving and LoraKim’s travels to Latin America starting up again, there will likely be no other Wild Walks until spring 2019. In the meantime, please check our Nurture Nature page for upcoming webinars and indoor events, such as our December Parrot Holiday Party and Fundraiser that features three short films about our work in Latin America and a chance to ask LoraKim in person about her experiences there…read more about that here. You can also find on our website other resources that will help you nurture yourself so you can in turn nurture nature. And enjoy the fall weather!

Nurture Nature for Our Lives: the 2018 IPCC Report

In an increasingly rare occurrence, it made some headlines, although a large number of major newspapers still did not mention the newly released report by the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):“The world has just over a decade to get climate change under control, U.N. scientists say” (The Washington Post, 10/8/2018)“U.N. Panel Warms Drastic Action Needed to Stave Off Climate Change” (The Wall Street Journal, 10/7/2018)“Major Climate Report Describes a Strong Risk of Crisis as Early as 2040” (The New York Times, 10/7/2018)“Terrifying climate change warning: 12 years until we’re doomed” (The New York Post, 10/8/2018)“Planet has only until 2030 to stem catastrophic climate change, experts warn” (CNN, 10/8/18)The first paragraph of the IPCC press release regarding the report provides more detail,“Incheon, Republic of Korea, 8 Oct – Limiting global warming to 1.5° C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, the IPCC said in a new assessment. With clear benefits to people and natural ecosystems, limiting global warming to 1.5° C compared to 2° C could go hand in hand with ensuring a more sustainable and equitable society…”It almost feels to me like the opening of a dystopian science fiction movie. Scary stuff. And it is all too real. So, what does this have to do with nurturing nature? Well, everything.As I write this, Hurricane Michael is hurtling towards Florida on the heels of Hurricane Florence. People are getting battered the world over. We all need to wake up, rise up and do what needs to be done. There has never been a time in the history of humanity when taking care of nature as we take care of ourselves has been more important. Never.For those who already appreciate nature, including other living beings, natural landscapes and the environment upon which we all depend, this means stepping up our game. Being sure each of us is strong enough to do what has to be done, as quickly as possible, in the time we have, while still attending to our daily lives, family and friends. Not an easy task.For those whose interests and concerns lie elsewhere, it is time to make some space for the living systems that support humanity and other life on this planet. Not to drop your other responsibilities and concerns, but to learn as much as you can as soon as you can and find something you can do to help (or more than one thing). Also, not easy to achieve.But, not easy is not the same as impossible. And, One Earth Conservation can help.One place to start can be with One Earth Conservation’s Nurture Nature Program. The Nurture Nature program explores our emotional, social, multispecies, ecological, and spiritual natures, and provides experiences of greater belonging, beauty, reverence, wholeness, joy, and vitality for you, your families, communities, and organizations. We offer a variety of Nurture Nature activities throughout the year, which you can monitor here, as well as various resources that you can access here. We are also in the process of writing a new workbook with the working title, Nurturing Discussions and Practices: Nurture Nature, Yourself, and Your Relationships, that we hope to have available in late 2018 or early 2019. Please check our website periodically for more information.Here’s an excerpt from the introduction of the new workbook:“We are convinced, now more than ever, that to gain the powers of solidarity, resilience, and resistance we have to come together in local communities that are committed to and claimed by the biotic community in which they are embedded. Only in this way can we mourn, learn, and have sufficient focus and wisdom to build a new way, even as the old way crumbles around us. These guides, given the risks and challenges of these times, are meant to augment community formation and personal transformation and commitment, whether you are beginning something new or use these guides for an already existing community, family, or organization. They are meant to be broadly nonsectarian, but also can be adopted by particular religious or spiritual institutions and endeavors. They are adaptable for a wide variety of circumstances, with the overall goal of supporting the health of individuals, relationships, and communities of all species.”Once you have developed the strength and fortitude to join the thousands of people working hard to ensure that we can heal our planet, and we hope you get to that place soon, there are many ways you can help. And that is a subject for another blog. Stay tuned.

Surveying Parrots, Dreams, and Parks

Paso Bravo National Park, Paraguay, September 6-9, 2018 Paso Bravo Ranger Station On our tri-park survey in Concepción, Paraguay that began with Cerro Cora and ended with Serranía San Luis, we spent a couple of nights in between at National Park Paso Bravo where we documented eight parrot species. Our first night was at the entrance ranger station, where we arrived late after suddenly not having a place to camp at our previous estancia (ranch). This is why I never, ever travel without my expedition hammock. Early the next morning we conducted a formal count: Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 6 Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 2 Pyrrhua frontalis (maroon-bellied parakeet) = 13 Maroon-bellied parakeets feeding at Paso Bravo (above and below) We then went deeper into the park to the Sofia Ranger station and did a driving count along a rough road through the grass and low vegetation: Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 24 Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 2 Entrance to Sofia Station, Paso Bravo Dr. Andrés Álvarez parrot counting in Sofia Station, Paso Bravo Moving on from there we spent the next two nights at the historical fort outside of San Carlos conducting first a formal count in the morning at a large open savanna:Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 9 Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 29 Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 4 Ara chloropterus (red-and-green macaw) = 2Pionus maximilia (scaly-headed parrot) = 2 Psittacara leucophthalmus (white-eyed parakeet) = 2 Psittacara acuticaudatus (blue-crowned parakeet) = 7 Sunrise at count in Paso Bravo (above) and red-and-geen macaws passing by us during count (below)And then a formal count deeper into park in the afternoon near this open savanna:Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 4 Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 8 Pionus maximilia (scaly-headed parrot) = 4 Psittacra leucophthalmus (white-eyed parakeet) = 2 Psittacara acuticaudatus (blue-crowned parakeet) = 12 Blue-crowned parakeet at savanna count (photo by Andrés Álvarez)On our last morning we did a formal count at the fort: Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 3 Pyrrhua frontalis (maroon-bellied parakeet) = 17Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 39 Sunrise count at Fort Dr. LoraKim Joyner and Nora Neris of SEAM during sunrise count at fortRight afterwards we did a casual count moving in a truck from the fort to River Apa: Pyrrhua frontalis (maroon-bellied parakeet) = 1 (near river) Ara chloropterus (red-and-green macaw) = 2 All feeding in same tree: Psittacra leucophthalmus (white-eyed parakeet) = 2 Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 4+Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 2+ All feeding in same tree: Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 2 Pionus maximilia (scaly-headed parrot) = 5 White-eyed parakeet (above), yellow-chevroned parakeet (below) and peach-fronted parakeet (two below) all feeding in same tree Counting parrots along the Apa River that divides Paraguay and Brazil After this count we headed to the school in San Carlos, where we were enthusiastically received by more than 60 students and teachers. We spent time doing this, well first, because it is fun, and also because education and raising awareness is the part of any conservation approach. San Carlos students and teachers "flying free" with the parrots Leaving San Carlos and Paso Bravo, I am left with the impression that this area has several opportunities to cherish and protect parrots. Now just dreaming here, the fort could be an education, training, and consciousness raising center, with information supplied as well as regular parrot counts performed. But there is also the nightmare, that this park, and others, though rich reserves of Paraguayan nature, are under threat from illegal deforestation and land use, as well as poaching. So much as already been lost, as indicated by the landscapes denuded of large trees and parrots. We need to go beyond this initial survey and impressions, and any defeatist refrain of "it's no use," to return to the area to pinpoint “hot spots” where birds are still foraging, nesting, and roosting, and where it might be possible to protect them from the entrenched and widespread illegal wildlife trade in the area. We begin with dreams, and then get to work. We plan on making this so!

Mountains of Hope for Parrots in Paraguay

National Park Serranía San Luis September 11-12, 2018 Our last stop on surveying the national parks in Concepcion, Paraguay was in Serrania, San Luis (serranía means range of mountains). This park is charged with protecting the Cerrado habitat, which is the vulnerable tropical savanna in Paraguay. The entrance to this park is along a dirt road that passes through private property, and so we were glad to have a park ranger Luciano guide us in. Along the road we kept count of the parrots, and also dropped off human counters along the road from 1615-1800. We did observe a few birds:Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 2 Pionus maximilia (scaly-headed parrot) = 2 Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 4Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 2Pyrrhua frontalis (maroon-bellied parakeet) = 4 The Chacra near entrance to park Pyrrhua frontalis checking out the corrals in the morning Burrowing owl checking us out in the morning The next morning we did a formal count from 0530-0730. This is our first day of clouds in a week of parrot counting, which makes some of the identification a challenge in the very early morning. We are delighted, however, with the activity as many birds are coming to this area to feed on the flowers. Our count is conducted right outside the park boundaries in a chacra, as there are no expansive open spaces or trails from which to conduct parrot counts in the park. Here is the minimum number of distinct individuals we recorded: Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 25 Pyrrhua frontalis (maroon-bellied parakeet) = 34 Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 12Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 29Pionus maximilia (scaly-headed parrot) = 6 Park Ranger Edilio Suarez in action Parrot Conservationist Andrés Álvarez, not quite so much in action (after a very early morning and long week of parrot counting) Of the turquoise-fronted parrots (called hablador in Spanish) there are three groups of three, indicating most probably two parents with one fledgling. This means that families are being produced here, and that not all the nests are poached for the illegal wildlife trade. Yellow-chevroned parakeet in tree post flower breakfast After the count we tour the facilities at the ranger station and are impressed. Though the laboratory building is currently without water or electricity, it wouldn't take much to develop this station into a major resource for the region, perhaps an education or liberation center. We leave here with dreams of one day seeing hundreds of macaws and parrots flying over the station, and hundreds of students and tourists cherishing and preserving them. Ranger and parrot counting crew at laboratory building in San Luis

Triple Alliance of Compassion, Awareness, and Hard Work: Saving the Parrots of Paraguay

Cerro Memby on way to Cerro CoraI journey with 3 other companions from Asuncion in Paraguay to the National Parks in the Departments of Concepcion and Amambay: Nora Neris and Anabal Bogado of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (SEAM) and Dr. Andres Alvarez of the National University Veterinary School. Our goal is to survey the parrot population, which we have been doing since 2015 in this area, this time especially concentrating on the National Parks. View from morning parrot count September 6, 2018 View from morning parrot count September 6, 2018Our first stop is Cerro Cora National Park. It is named from the surrounding hills that grace the landscape as we entered this region, though it is most widely known as where the last battle of the Triple Alliance War (1864-1870) occurred. Here the President of Paraguay, Francisco Solano López, died in battle, saying "I die along with my country." Paraguay did not end, but the war devastated the country. Memorial where the President died near the river (above) and his likeness below in the park's museum.The park reminds one not just of past ruin, but current as well due to the massive deforestation in the area. I am hopeful that we will find some parrots here, and we do after conducting one brief formal count early in the morning of September 6, 2018:Amazona aestiva (turquoise-fronted amazon parrot) = 3Brotogeris chiriri (yellow-chevroned parakeet) = 16Eupsittula aurea (peach-fronted parakeet) = 2 Peach fronted perched during morning count (above) and male feeding female (below) Yellow-chevroned parakeet during morning countAny additional species were too far away to identify, and these unidentified individuals only numbered 8. Surely longer in the park would reveal more individuals and more species, but even still the results suggest that there is not much parrot diversity or abundance here. Habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade has taken its toll. Other birds during count (Southern-crested Caracara, Shiny cowbird (?), and Masked Tityra)This is not to give up by any means on this park or turn our back on efforts here. It has strategic location on easily accessible roads next to a city, Pedro Juan Cabellero. It would be a great location for education and ecotourism activities, and for further parrot counts to really see what is here in the hills and river valleys around. Headed pack to park headquarters after the morning countWe who love Paraguay and her wildlife assert that we will make a stand here, saying, "Let the parrots live well along with this country!" We make this happen by making a triple alliance of compassion, awareness, and hard work.

The Mysterious and Threatened Yellow-faced Parrot

We continue with our updating of One Earth's website with posts from an older conservation blog, originally posted on November 10, 2016. We also continue to highlight Paraguay, because Dr. LoraKim Joyner is now there in the field, working once again to protect the parrots of Paraguay. Female yellow-faced amazon sitting tight in her nest in a termiteria (termite mound)Locals in Paraguay told us about the yellow-faced parrots at Retiro (station) Alicia, and so, to learn more about them, we showed up in time to get soaked to the skin, and then spent the next 24 hours trying to warm up in the unseasonably cool weather. Dry by evening, we documented 134 distinct individual yellow-faced parrots (102 slept at the roost site) and 2 turquoise-fronted amazon parrots. Of these there were 10 single birds, 41 pairs, 4 triples, 1 group of four, and a group of 26-31 that came and went throughout the day. Free flying wild yellow-faced amazon parrotsIn this group of 26, only 2 birds had a lot of visible yellow and red feathers on their abdomen, and two less so. Also, several birds had feather loss around possibly swollen nares (nostrils). We saw this same plumage distribution in another separate flock of 41 where 2 had a lot of color on their abdomen, and 2 had moderate amounts of color. In this same flock we also observed 4 juvenile turquoise-fronted amazons. The greater amount of colored abdominal plumage other than green is thought to represent older, male birds. We might then be seeing older “retired” males or females escorting juvenile flocks of individuals that are not paired up during the breeding season. The loss of feathers around the nares is also thought to be a normal aging feather loss pattern. Parrot Camp in Paraguay with Andres and AngieWhen not getting wet or shivering, we spent the day time investigating parrot nests in termiteria (termite mounds). We confirmed two nests, and were suspicious of another. In one of the nests the female sat tight while we observed her and took measurements of the termiteria. Based on what we saw, we were in the breeding season, and ranch workers told us it was early in the breeding season. Candelero type of termiteria - possibly a preferred place for yellow-faced parrots to nestWe did discover one other roost site of yellow-faced parrots near Estancia (ranch) San Miguel with a flock of 67 individuals. We cannot be sure if these might be some of the same birds we counted at Alicia. Our estimate then of the number of distinct individuals we saw was 175-242. Not bad considering only a few years ago this species was unknown in Paraguay. (Thanks to Andres Alvaréz for documenting their presence in Paraguay!) Yellow-faced parrots also trying to dry outWe still have much to learn about this species: What is their breeding ecology? What does the pattern of feather coloration and loss mean? When do they breed? Are they poached? Do they migrate? Is their population stable? Three chicks a month after we were there - hopefully the ranch workers won't poach them (we found out later they took at least one of these three chicks)!We understand from the locals that this species is not highly prized for the illegal bird trade, for they are more shy and less talkative then the sought-after turquoise-fronted parrot. Their conservation status is "Near Threatened," however, due to habitat loss. Some of the ranches we visited did purposefully destroy termiteria so as to plant pasture grass for cattle. Others, such as San Miguel, preserve their termiteria because they are good for the soil. Destroyed termiteriaWe arranged with the people of Retiro Alicia to protect their birds and monitor their numbers, and were glad to hear from the owners and managers of Estancia San Miguel and Hermosa that they would gladly cooperate to protect all their parrot species. Transportation to and from nest sitesWe were grateful that we found the parrots, and the people to cherish them. Thanks to all the estancia workers and owners, as well as to Arne Lesterhuis of Guyra, Angie Mendoza of Fauna y Vida, and Dr. Andrez Alvaréz of Universidad Nacional Asunción). Angie placing "Parrot Fly Free" wrist band on the manager of Estancia Hermosa, Dr. Francisco Varela.