Rare Parrot Sighting
on 2/5/16 9:35 pm
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA. Local birders are abuzz with the excitement of confirmed sightings in downtown Managua of a rare species of parrot; namely, the psychoticparrot. This species is native to the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, and to see one here in Central America is, as one enthusiastic birder stated, "a once-in-a-lifetime event."
Ornithologists have determined that the Managua psychoticparrot is the same parrot that was banded with a gold ring many years ago in the U.S., making identification positive. However, they are at a loss to explain the marked difference in the parrot's appearance, which is much smaller and slimmer than in previous sightings. This particular species is both featherless and flightless, making its journey from the U.S. to Nicaragua another mystery.
The drastic change in the parrot's appearance would suggest that it found some way to navigate its way here, using its fat reserves to fuel its journey, experts say. However, other scientists have speculated, based on observations of small scars on the bird's abdomen, that a good samaritan found the obviously sick bird, took it to a vet, who then performed surgery that improved the parrot's health.
Because the psychoticparrot is flightless, scientists also theorize that the bird may have found its way onto a southbound ship or climbed aboard another means of transport, perhaps an airliner.
While parrot specialists debate these questions, Nicaraguans and tourists alike have been pointing out the rare bird, who has appeared in various areas in Managua, Masaya, Granada and other Nicaraguan resort locations.
Judging from its behavior, the psychoticparrot appears to be enjoying itself immensely with flocks of native orange-chinned parakeets. It is very tame and will eat tidbits of proffered food, especially from protein sources, when hungry.
2013 sighting
February 2016 sighting
psychoticparrot
"Live for what today has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away."
What a clever, inspiring post ! You are living the life !!
Age: 64; 5' 5"; High weight: 345; Start weight: 271 (01/05/15); Surgery weight: 218 (05/27/15); Pre-Op (-53); M 1 (-18); M 2 (-1.5); M 3 (-13.5 ); M 4 (-13); M 5 (- 8); M 6 (-12) M 7 (-5, Xmas); M 8 (- 9) Under surgeon's goal and REACHED HEALTHY BMI 12/07/15!! (Six months and one week.) AT GOAL month 8. Maintaining at goal range (139- 144) ~ four (4) years !!
Wonderful post, and it's so good to finally see you! You look fabulous. Congratulations!
5' 5" tall. VSG on August 4, 2015/ Starting weight 239.9/ Surgery weight 210.9/ Current weight 137.4/ Goal weight 140/ No longer overweight, now a NORMAL weight. Now that I'm at goal, it's time to move on to maintenance!!!!!!!!
