Steve and I really had fun at Chris Biro's educational Pirate's Parrot Show when we went to the Jackson County Fair. All of his birds fly free around the fairgrounds but hang out very close by where there is safety, food and water, and the man they love! Chris has spent over 20 years putting on shows around the country to educate the public about parrots and conservation. He also has seminars to teach bird owners how to give their birds the freedom of flight. It was wonderful to see these beautiful birds flying overhead and so happy!

This lovely bird is a Blue-Winged or Illiger's Macaw. It's a "mini" macaw, and is in a group of 6 species which are 20" or smaller from head to tip of tail. This bird measures 14-17" and its native home is Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Although this bird's habit is threatened by deforestation, it is still common enough that it's only listed as "near threatened". Bans on bird exporting has helped this bird's survival, but farmers have been known to kill these macaws, which they call "pests."

If you would like to know more about this lovely macaw, Wiki has a page here: Wiki: Blue-winged Macaw

For information about Chris Biro's wonderful parrot conservation organization and free-flight training and seminars, please visit Bird Recovery International and Liberty Wings