Diary of a Scarlet Macaw

Day 1

Humans are still destroying our rainforest. It is them that have caused most of the devastation of our population. That's what I have been told, and well, I kinda already knew about this. You see I do have eyes and my short white feathers that surround them illuminate the pale yellow color of my beautiful eyes. I am formidably strong and intelligent. My only wish was for the humans to leave us alone. One day I shall have to protect the younger ones too if we are not all hunted for our plumage, meat or worse still kidnapped and kept by humans as exotic pets.

Day 2

I can't stop thinking about capture. To take my mind off it, I think about my sweetheart she is the epitome of an exotic bird! "Boy, oh Boy" every little red-headed-shoulders feather on her is as unique as a fingerprint, I think I will love her and only her for the rest of my life from the yellow of her body to the blue tips of her longest wings and dare I mention those electric 'tail' feathers. *screams* Well, with her looks it doesn't even matter that she won't talk to me, she is a more than competent talker within the right flock. One day we will be together in ours. I wonder whether we will meet up tomorrow for our visit to the clay banks?

Day 3

I'm not looking forward to the trip to the clay bank as my beauty isn't coming along. She's staying in the safety of the trees (for which I am grateful and a little selfishly disappointed), but it's the big shop that's essential when we're down to seeds, fruit, and these annoying insects, and it comes with the most risk. I usually hide amongst the crowd. The flock sergeant and his wife always take charge and protect us younger ones, they're very strict in preparing us. Say we're the lucky ones. I don't feel so strong or lucky today but on the flip side, I won't have to try and figure out how to stand apart from the flock to impress my darling.

Day 4

Yesterday went alright the birds of prey stayed away and we were in a good military flock to decrease the risk of capture or fatality from any source of a predator. Today I'm home 'living the best life' although worry is never too far away from my mind. I can see snakes on the bank of the river and even though I hide well up in the deciduous trees that are present near the river, we're safe in the forest. No sign of JubJub today I hope she's ok.

Day 5

I wrote a poem to show her this morning. Everyone was talking to each other but none to me. At least 50 individuals and yet I only seek out the one girl for me. I think she will be pleased with my rhyme:-

I will protect you, my darlin' girl

so remarkably delightful

I will frighten away

hawks, snakes, monkeys

and birds of prey

for you any day

come what may

monogamy is for us

as clay is for our needs

I promise to shower you

with love and share with

you all my seeds

I hope she doesn't see my naughty little play on words at the end but if she does I'm sure she won't blush - I might though.

Day 6

JUBJUB IS MISSING. The others say taken. The whole habitation is in fright. We must be careful but I am to go and look for her, I will fly long, very long, extremely long distances to find my beloved. I will vocalize to identify her even if I must mimic human speech. If I see them I will peck their eyes out and rescue my baby from them.

Day 7

It was human. I am sure. Before I rest in the trees tonight to sleep in preparation I shall scream high in the location and mark my territory. No human, no monkey, no raptures. Nobody will mess with me.

Last entry...

No luck. MY love is lost. I am alone now. Come January through to April I won't be nested in the holes of dead canopy trees. In essence, I am dead too. I have nothing more to say but grief. I AM ANGRY I will not sleep, I cannot eat. My feathers are my enemy, I fret I will pluck every single feather out in return for my love's return.