jla@inuxd.UUCP (Joyce Andrews) (02/18/88)
Here in the Upper Keys Florida we had a beautiful pair of blue
and gold macaws, obviously escapees, who had made peace with
their environment and were raising a brood. They were
magnificant birds...long, long swooping tails and bright,
gloriously colored feathers. They were noisy sometimes...always
together, flying from coconut palm to coconut palm...they were
the special "pets" for all of us. People in the grocery talked
about the macaws. They were very important members of the
community!
Last week a tourist killed the pair. By the time we realized
they were gone, and visited the nest, the brood was dead. The
tourist was caught, and will be charged a fine for firing a
firearm in Monroe County. But it's a misdemeanor because the
macaws, not being native to the area, are not legally protected.
I suppose the outcome could be considered better for the
environment--they were not a native species, and I suppose one
could argue that their being here, raising a brood, could cause
a negative environmental impact. But those of us who were
cheered by their beauty and tenaciousness mourn our loss.
We have other escapees that hang on to produce a small flock of
surprises for bird watchers. And I know where a small flock of
wild flamingos lives...and they aren't supposed to be here. The
experts tell me I am seeing roseate spoonbills, but, trust me, I
know the difference. It's easy to make that mistake when they
are in the air, but on the ground they don't look anything alike.
(Brought to you from the Florida Keys via Indianapolis through
the miracle of modern telecommunications...)
--
Joyce Andrews King
ihnp4!inuxd!jla
AT&T, Indianapoliscosell@bbn.com (Bernie Cosell) (02/19/88)
Hmmm... I bet the sightseers aren't native either.... maybe it is only a misdemeanor to shoot _them_... Maybe then they'll learn to stop being assholes... __ / ) Bernie Cosell /--< _ __ __ o _ BBN Labs, Cambridge, MA 02238 /___/_(<_/ (_/) )_(_(<_ cosell@bbn.com