Category: Uncategorized

Jacos Eating Grapefruit: More Evidence of Parrot Survival Post-Maria

by Charles Alexander, posted in Amazona arausciaca, Dominica, Parrot Survival Post-Maria, Parrot, Red-necked, Red-necked Amazon, Uncategorized
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Amazona arausciaca retrieving grapefruit goodness from the ground

Thanks again to Nikki Chandler Couture for the Red-necked amazon update with new photos and a video this afternoon. Nikki writes:

 Taken this evening, visiting Jacos eating grapefruit. They come twice daily to our place (The Ramelton Estate near Sultan Falls). My husband is there now. That’s the caretaker’s home in the distance in the last picture.

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In a post here a few days ago, I mentioned that the same caretaker had reported seeing a pair of Imperial parrots coming to feed on grapefruit on three separate occasions. The specific details of the report are intriguing– and sound credible. Hopefully, the Sisserou pair will be documented for sure soon. Meanwhile, it is wonderful to see the Jacos receiving the nourishment they need in this time of crisis. Though the Sisserou is a much rarer bird, the red-necked amazon– once known as the Bouquet’s parrot– is also rare, precious, and endemic only to Dominica.

I am anxious to learn the present numbers of both species in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Long may their unique beauty grace the forests of Eden.

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Jackot or Sisserou: New Photos from Dominica

by Charles Alexander, posted in Uncategorized

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Many thanks to Nikki Chandler Couture for giving me permission to share her photos here, originally posted today on the Updates– Aftermath of Hurricane Maria Facebook page. Her caption: ” Taken yesterday. Parrots at our Dominican home. My husband reports 4 traveling together. He said they are eating grapefruit on the ground and there is plenty. I’m making him buy more anyway.”

Take a close look. Jackot or Sisserou? To my eye, there’s something Sisserou-ish about the above lone silhouette, perched on high. No way to tell for sure though.

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Thoughts?

Listen to the Sisserou!

by Charles Alexander, posted in Uncategorized

I’ve mentioned the Sisserou on nearly every post since creating this website, but have yet to introduce you to the living bird. Today’s post aims to remedy that omission. So please stop and take a moment to meet the resplendent Imperial amazon, Dominica’s national bird, up close and personal!

Shot in 2013 by David Monroger, today’s featured video offers a rare, intimate look at the critically-endangered Amazona imperialis. The clip also captures clear examples of the bird’s distinctive call note and voice. Once you’ve heard it, I think you’ll agree that the regal Sisserou sounds like no other parrot.

This particular bird is housed at the Dominica Parrot Conservation and Research Center at the Botanical Gardens at Roseau, Dominica’s capital city. She is one of only two Imperials currently in captivity, the sole captive female, and the only Sisserou held on Dominica. Along with a number of Red-necked amazons sheltered indoors during the storm, Dominica’s lone captive Sisserou survived Maria’s wrath. I will share more about her history in a later post.

So listen to the Sisserou, as we revel in the knowledge that Amazona imperialis, Dominica’s National Bird, survives in the wild today.

Listen to the Sisserou– and consider that wise old island parrots are wily and adapted to survive, sending us the clear and present message that even broken Edens can heal.

Trafalgar Falls

Thanks to David Monroger for permission to share the video here. An aviculturist, photographer, and writer based in France, David raises awareness about endangered parrots via his lectures, websites, and articles, work sourced on his global travels with fellow enthusiast Francois Deneaux. To learn more, please visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pyaf.net/?fref=ts

The Sisserou LIVES!!

by Charles Alexander, posted in Dominica, Imperial Amazon, Parrot Survival Post-Maria, Sisserou, Uncategorized

Breaking news today via the Birds Caribbean Facebook page:

“First confirmed sighting of the #Sisserou on #Dominica!!!! Spotted at Morne Saint Mary south of Roseau, thanks to Stephen Durand for sharing! The Imperial Parrot (endangered national bird) had not been seen since #HurricaneMaria decimated the island on 19 September-this is hopeful!!!! The parrot was spotted and photographed/filmed by Jerry Brisbane at his residence at Morne Saint Mary south of Roseau. I like how at second 8 he whispers to the parrot, “c’mon, make a call,” and it does so right on cue!!!“