ABACO PARROTS: A GALLERY OF GORGEOUS
It’s been a while since the parrots of Abaco got a look-in hereabouts. Time to put that right. At the end of this gallery I will add some links to posts about the unique ground-nesting parrots of Abaco. Newcomers to this blog (I thank you both) may be interested to know that intensive conservation measures have brought this subspecies of the Cuban Parrot back from the brink of extinction – fewer than 1000 – to a sustainable and expanding population of around 4000.
For an overview of these lovely birds, I’ve made a slideshow presentation of a small booklet I put together in conjunction with scientist Caroline Stahala, who devoted several years to the research and protection of the parrots. Contents: parrots, nests, eggs, cute chicks, info, Sandy Walker with a fledgling on his lap.
Here is the noise of a flock of parrots at Bahama Palm Shores, an excellent place to find them. It’s one of the less raucous recordings that I have made! We normally go to the main (north) turning, drive straight down to the end, cut the engine and listen. I’ve usually been lucky in that immediate area around 5.00 p.m., though others may have discovered other good times of day.
ABACO PARROTS Unique parrots in pictures, video & sound
ABACO PARROTS Rare nesting footage
ABACO PARROTS Conservation & anti-predation programs
Credits: Melissa Maura (brilliant header!), Gerlinde Taurer, Craig Nash, Tom Sheley, Peter Mantle, RH, Nina Henry, Bruce Hallett, Charlie Skinner, and Caroline Stahala
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If it wasn’t so sunny this morning I’d be hanging around to read more, but before leaving have to say these colours are gorgeous.
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Parrots are aways gorgeous (like bees). Except in superannuated sketches employing words like ‘deceased’, ‘norwegian blue’ and ‘gone to meet its maker’! Or if they give you psittacosis, I suppose.
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Such character… Wonderful to see them thriving!
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Hi Mark, sorry for the reply delay – off-line for 6 days thanks to BT! Glad you enjoy the parrots. I always enjoy picking the photos to post. Once the trout season ends I must go back to Syon for some off-season fishing this year. In the New Year, maybe we can discuss testing Mark 2 bonefish flies? RH
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Very nice, Keith! i enjoyed the recording too. 🙂
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Thank you Susan. They are beautiful birds indeed, if noisy. Even in the five years we have been involved in Abaco, the increase in numbers + frequency / consistency of sightings is noticeable. It shows how well-planned conservation measures can make a huge difference. Making the recordings of these (and other birds) is fun. I just use an iPhone – best done when it isn’t windy, though! RH
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