The Macaw is a bird that really looks like it has been created for our amusement.  The bright colors and personality of the birds combined with their intelligence makes them instantly attractive.  We can forget for a while that they are the way they are because they are adapted for the environment in which they live (by which I don’t mean a zoo).

We saw a few of them at Cougar Mountain Zoo.  Some of them were out on perches in the zoo grounds.  A few were brought up to a stage to demonstrate their intelligence and dexterity.  They really are a quite amazing bird.  While it is easy to be impressed by their capabilities, you don’t ever forget how amazing they look.  The vivid colors and the fascinating shape make it easy to just spend time watching them.  What a fantastic creature.