The Hyacinth Macaw, with its striking cobalt-blue feathers and contrasting bright yellow rings around its eyes and beak, is not just a sight to behold but also an ambassador for the conservation efforts in its native habitats of central and eastern South America. Known as the largest flying parrot species in the world (the larger Kakapo of New Zealand is flightless), this magnificent bird faces numerous challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and diminished food sources. Yet, its story is not just one of struggle, but also of hope and resilience, demonstrating the difference that informed, dedicated conservation efforts can make.

One of the most pressing issues for the Hyacinth Macaw is habitat destruction, primarily due to deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching. These activities reduce the available nesting sites and food resources for the macaws, significantly impacting their population. Moreover, the illegal pet trade poses a severe threat, as these birds are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity, leading to many being taken from the wild before they can contribute to the natural regeneration of their species.

Conservation efforts for the Hyacinth Macaw have been underway for several years, focusing on protecting habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and educating the public about the importance of these birds to their ecosystems. One of the success stories in conservation is the establishment of protected areas and reserves in Brazil, where these birds are found. These areas provide safe havens where Hyacinth Macaws can live, breed, and thrive without the immediate threats of habitat loss and human interference.

Reintroduction and breeding programs have also been essential in bolstering the populations of Hyacinth Macaws. These programs care for and rehabilitate injured or confiscated birds, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Additionally, they aim to increase the genetic diversity of the population, ensuring a healthier and more resilient species.

Public education and community involvement are critical components of conservation success. By informing people about the plight of the Hyacinth Macaw and the ways in which they can help, conservation organizations have been able to garner support for their efforts. This includes promoting responsible pet ownership, supporting sustainable land-use practices, and encouraging ecotourism that benefits both the local communities and the conservation initiatives.

The Hyacinth Macaw serves as a symbol of the beauty and complexity of our natural world. As admirers of these magnificent creatures, we can play a role in their preservation by staying informed, supporting conservation organizations, and advocating for policies that protect their habitats. By working together, we can ensure that the skies of South America continue to be graced by the brilliant blue wings of the Hyacinth Macaw.

For more information on how to help the Hyacinth Macaw, check out the website of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute.

The Golden-collared Macaw is a small species of macaw found in central South America, particularly in the Pantanal region of Brazil, northern Argentina, northern Paraguay, and much of northern and eastern Bolivia. There's also a separate population in the northeastern areas of Mato Grosso, southeastern Pará, and western Tocantins in Brazil. This bird is known for its bright green plumage, distinctive golden collar, and blue-tipped wings, making it easily recognizable.

Despite its small size compared to other macaws, the Golden-collared Macaw is an important part of its ecosystem, adapting well to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and savannahs. These habitats are crucial not only for the survival of this species but also for many other forms of wildlife. Conservation efforts are important to maintain these environments and ensure the continued presence of the Golden-collared Macaw in these areas.

The bird has cultural significance as well, featured on stamps in Bolivia and Argentina, which highlights its role in national heritage and the broader effort to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. This kind of recognition can play a part in conservation strategies by fostering a connection between the public and the natural world.

For those interested in birdwatching or the natural sciences, the Golden-collared Macaw offers a fascinating subject of study due to its vibrant colors, behavior, and habitat preferences. Understanding more about this bird can contribute to efforts to protect it and its environment.

In summary, the Golden-collared Macaw is a notable species within its range in South America, valued both for its beauty and its role in the ecosystem. Conservation and awareness are key to ensuring its survival and the health of its habitat.

Since February we've been getting new visitors to our backyard: a pair of European Goldfinches. In the beginning just one came to feed from a bag of nuts we have hung up in a tree. After a few days he brought his mate along and since then they've come by almost every day:

These birds are quite common here in the Netherlands but we never had one in our backyard before. This brings the total number of birds that have visited us here to twelve: Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Black Bird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Herring Gull, Magpie, Robin and Starling. European Goldfinches are named 'Putter' or 'Distelvink' in Dutch. The latter translates as 'Thistle Finch' for it likes to eat small seeds like thistle seeds. What's funny is that we have a feeder full of thistle seeds in our backyard but we've never seen our two Goldfinches eat from it; they always go straight for the nuts! After seeing the cute Goldfinches in our yard we've added the species to this website. 

The Hooded Crow, with its striking grey and black plumage, is a bird that often captures the curiosity and fascination of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. This intelligent and adaptable bird is a member of the corvid family, which includes other smart birds like ravens, jays, and magpies. The Hooded Crow, scientifically known as Corvus cornix, is widespread across Europe and parts of the Middle East, thriving in a variety of habitats from urban areas to the wilder, untouched parts of its range.

One of the most notable features of the Hooded Crow is its distinctive appearance. Unlike its all-black cousin, the Carrion Crow, the Hooded Crow sports a light grey body, wings, and tail, contrasting sharply with its black head, throat, wings, and tail tips. This unique coloration not only makes it easy to identify but also adds a touch of elegance to its overall demeanor.

The Hooded Crow's diet is impressively varied, showcasing its adaptability and intelligence. These birds are omnivorous and not particularly picky eaters. Their diet includes insects, small rodents, grains, fruits, and even carrion. In urban areas, they've been known to cleverly navigate human environments to find food, showcasing their problem-solving skills and ability to coexist alongside humans.

Socially, Hooded Crows are fascinating creatures. They are often seen in pairs or small groups and exhibit complex social behaviors, including cooperation and problem-solving skills that are thought to rival those of some primates. During the breeding season, which begins in early spring, these crows are known for their monogamous relationships, with pairs often staying together for many years, if not for life. Nests are typically built in tall trees and are constructed from twigs and lined with hair and other soft materials, where the female lays between 3 to 5 eggs.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of the Hooded Crow's behavior is its ability to use tools, a trait that is relatively rare in the animal kingdom and indicative of high cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that Hooded Crows can use sticks and other objects to extract food from tight spaces, demonstrating a level of ingenuity and problem-solving ability that is truly impressive.