Karen E. McReynolds and her husband spent some time in tropical Belize.  Part one of this "Ms. Frizzle in the Tropics" series is here. In this account, Ms. Frizzle speaks of a visit to Panama.

On Isla Coiba, and in Belize: Ara macao

Although Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) are present in Panama in only a fraction of their original range, they are prominently present on mugs, t-shirts and other items sold in Panama.  Their portraits are often accompanied by some mention of the tropics.  They do indeed provide a flashy representation of what comes to mind when most of us think of the tropics: bright, beautiful birds, full of color and raucous noise.  

Prior to my visit to Panama’s Isla Coiba earlier this summer, I had seen macaws in the wild only once before.  When we lived in Belize – a fabulous place for any bird lover – my husband decided one year that he would like to chase down some Scarlet Macaws for his birthday. They are present in Belize in limited numbers and in remote locations, so our various birding adventures had not yet yielded any of these signature birds.  He asked around within the birding community and learned that in early June, they could be found in the central Maya Mountains of eastern Belize, a remote region indeed.  So we set off for Las Cuevas, a biological field station operated at that time by the British natural history museum that is located in prime early summer macaw territory.  We enjoyed a few days at the station mingling with staff and scientists and spotting impressive birds, but saw no macaws; we just never were in the right place at the right moment.  Disappointed, but out of time, we prepared for our lengthy drive out away from the station, following a staff member in his vehicle who was departing at the same time.  

After about an hour of driving, still immersed in the dense lush greenery of the rainforest, Miguel in front of us stopped suddenly in a clearing, and raced back to gesture to us to get out of our vehicle.  We did, and there they were: four pairs of birds at the top of a tall green tree, dancing in the wind.  Within seconds of our arrival three of the pairs flew off, but one remained, shrieking noisily, flapping brilliant wings and clinging loosely to the leafy branches of the top of the tree where they had been feeding.  After a minute or so these two remaining birds also departed, but they had left their impression: blue sky and green tree interrupted by avian stoplight red plus yellow, blue, green.  Add exuberant motion to the mental picture, with breezy branches blowing and large birds hopping, clinging, fluttering… then throw in the raucous clamor of said birds, matching any jungle soundtrack around. Color, movement and noise combined to leave a deep impression on me, one I turn to when I need a  reminder that there are indeed places and creatures in this world that are wild. The prospect of more encounters with Ara macao drew me to Isla Coiba.

Buying the t-shirt is sure a lot easier.  

Notes from Ms. Frizzle (Reflection on life, nature and death)

Notes from Ms. Frizzle (Reflection on Nat. Science Teachers Association conference)

Notes from Ms. Frizzle (Zacchaeus and the Monkey Swing Tree)

Notes from Ms. Frizzle (Close Encounter with a Bimac)