WPT partner Echo is working hard in the Caribbean to save the vulnerable Yellow-shouldered Amazon. They are pleased to report that the parrots on Bonaire are doing great with 865 individuals counted in January 2013 -- a good number which continues the population's upward trend. Twelve years ago the average count had been around 350! The annual count involved 40 volunteers including many locals and the Echo team, all armed with binoculars. The event was organised in partnership with the Island Government Natural Resources Department and STINAPA (National Park). Good work Echo and volunteers!

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Genus: Pionus
Species: chalcopterus
World Population: Not recorded
Range: NW Venezuela, in Sierra de Perija, Zulia and mountains of E Tachira and W Merida and W Colombia, in Sierra de Perija, Guajira and in isolated pockets through Andean cordilleras, on western slope of Cordillera Occidental south from Rio Atrato, to both slopes of Andes in W Ecuador, and to NW Peru, Tumbes and Piura.
Habitat/Ecology: Found from 900-2800m (2952-9184 ft) in mainly humid and wet upland and montane forest; also seen in drier deciduous areas on west Andean slope, in forest edge and partly cleared areas with scattered trees. Social, particularly outside breeding season. Birds forage in upper canopy and nest in tree hollow. Feeds on fruits, particularly Ficus sp.
Threat Summary: Has suffered declines in some areas due to rapid clearance of subtropical forest.
IUCN/CITES Rating: Least concern, Appendix II

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Bronze-winged Parrot »

Looking for a unique way to give? The Blue-throated Macaw Project in Bolivia is looking for some specific items to help them with their study and conservation of the Blue-throated Macaw. If you'd like to buy the project a wireless security camera, a pair of binoculars or other equipment, you can order them from their wishlist at Amazon.com.

During checkeout, just designate the shipping address as our US office:

Glenn Reynolds, WPT-USA
P.O. Box 935
Lake Alfred, FL USA 33850

Glenn will take it from there to ensure it gets into the hands of the right people at the Blue-throated Macaw Project. Thanks, and very much appreciated!

BTM Project wishlist at Amazon »
BTM Project on Facebook »

Have you been searching for meaningful volunteer work in another country? WPT partner Ara Project in Costa Rica is urgently seeking volunteers to work at both of their centers -- Punta Islita in Guanacaste and Manzanillo in South Caribbean -- for the months of April, May, June and July. If you are interested in learning more or applying, please visit their website.

There are many views on providing grit for companion parrots -- WPT Expert and author EB Cravens shares his in this insightful article.

Read the article (PDF) »

A brand new undertaking is in the works: the Grey Parrot Anatomy Project aims to create an accurate physical and digital anatomy reference of a commonly kept parrot species, the Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). Anatomical references for companion parrot species currently don't exist: the work will provide an important reference for veterinary medical professionals and researchers alike. An anatomy atlas will be published by 2016, and an even more comprehensive online reference site, complete with images in 3-D, will be completed as part of an ongoing effort involving other researchers and users. The findings of this project have and will continue to be shared with many researchers on tangentially related projects.

The research is being conducted at the University of Utah and is divided between the colleges of Bioengineering, Biology and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute. Additional researchers and contributors from other universities, veterinary practices and aviaries have been providing birds and advice to help with the project.

Find out more »

The Wonder of Birds
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Hill, Norwich, East Anglia NR1 3JU, United Kingdom
May - September 2014

The Wonder of Birds will explore the cultural impact of birds upon mankind. Eliciting a wide range of emotions from awe to fear and from pleasure to cruelty, birds have intrigued humanity since the earliest of times. With loans from local and national collections, the exhibition will span the centuries and include the arts with works by major artists and illustrators, historical and contemporary, natural history, archaeology, fashion and social history. This innovative exhibition will also examine local, national and international issues.
Learn more about the exhibit »

Parrot Lover's Cruise - Western Caribbean
Welcome to the 6th Annual Parrot Lover's Cruise, one of the most spectacular cruises for parrot enthusiasts. Leave your worries behind and relax as you join us to discover some of the bluest waters and best sightseeing in the world. Educate yourself with onboard parrot seminars and visit exotic ports of call where you may get a chance to see wild parrots!

New excursions added - book early to ensure your spot.

Early Saver Rate in Effect:
Book now and receive a savings of up to $300 per room! While supplies last.

Date: Nov. 2 - 9, 2014
Contact: Carol Cipriano
Email: carolstraveltime@gmail.com
Phone: 1.570.470.0034
Learn more: http://www.parrotloverscruise.com

For more event listings, visit the WPT website at:
http://www.parrots.org/index.php/parrotnews/Events/