One of the most exciting experiences I ever had!!!
As some of you know, I have spent the last 3 months following Great Green Macaw chicks in the northern plains of Costa Rica, some of them very difficult to find due to the size of the area. On June 1st, I had what is probably one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had in all my years of working with Great Green Macaws.
I was going to start tracking one of the chicks that are further south of the nesting area, specifically in the area of La Selva in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. As I usually do, I start my telemetry work from the nest where the chick fledged, and from there I move to different strategic points in the area. When I talk about strategic, I mean high points or open areas where the signal can be picked up more easily.
Initially I had no sign of the chick. I must be honest this is a bit disappointing, but it is also to be expected. The chicks will not be waiting for us, we must go look for them. In the case of this chick named Lilo, we had no luck in the previous search. That’s why this time I had to find her.
My first review at the nest was negative (no Lilo in sight), so I moved to a new point, a high area more or less about 5km from the nest in the mountainous areas of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. When I arrived at the site the first thing I did was park the car. As soon as I turned off the car engine, I heard the familiar sound of a group of Great Green Macaws heading towards my position. Like any macaw lover, I quickly got out of the car with binoculars in hand to be able to observe them better.
I saw 4 Great Green Macaws flying towards me! Suddenly they decided to perch in front of me in a Laurel tree about 50m away in a pasture, when I got a good look at them, immediately I was in shock, realizing who was right in front of me. It was Lilo and her family!
I can’t put into words how wonderful that moment was, I even cried a little from happiness. Can you believe how weird this is? To be looking for a Great Green Macaw chick in a huge and densely forested area, where she decides to come to me! That was something remarkable for me!
Lilo was in a perfect condition, she was flying around the Laurel with her parents and her brother. I could tell that it was Lilo by the radio collar she had and by checking with the signal receiver.
At that moment a single thought invaded my mind, I was made to work with this amazing species!!
BSc. Mario Jimenez
Field Team Leader
Great Green Macaw Program