https://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/issue/feedAFA Watchbird2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00Constance Woodmangryphus@gmail.comOpen Journal Systems<p>This magazine is a resource on species information, techniques, and breaking developments in the keeping and conservation of birds. The AFA Watchbird is over 40 years old and cited by researchers and policy-makers alike who study captive avian reproduction, conservation, diseases, and best practices in bird keeping. <a href="http://www.afabirds.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">afabirds.org</a></p>https://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3818Table of Contents2020-04-19T21:39:35+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryVolume XLII Number 2Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3819A Message from the President2020-04-19T21:39:35+00:00Nancy Speedafaoffice@afabirds.orgAs the 41st annual conference approaches, one can't help but to look back from where we've come and how we started on those infamous courthouse steps in1974. We also look into the future as to where....Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/382041st Educational Conference2020-04-19T21:39:35+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryCelebrating the Diversity of AvicultureCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/382141st Educational Conference2020-04-19T21:39:36+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryCelebrating the Diversity of AvicultureCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3822Artist Biography: Tracy Taylor2020-04-19T21:39:36+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Tracy Taylor (Pederson) began her illustration career while working as an entomology technician at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. THere she penned a drawing of an almost microscopic new species of snail for the Malacology department. Other scientists got wind of her talents and commissioned her to render scientific illustrations of fish, crickets, and birds while maintaining Entomology department's extensive bug collection.</p><p>During her next tenure at the Academy of Natural Sciences, she traveled with scientists to dense, untrammeed rainforests in the West Indies, and Central and South American. There with a camera in hand and a box of paints and paper, she...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3823Remembering Sheikh Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al-Thani2020-04-19T21:39:36+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation's founder and patron, Sheikh Saoud bin Mohammed bin Ali Al-Thani, a highly ranked member of the Qatar Royal family, died on November 9, 2014 suddenly at age 48 in his London home. He left behind a legacy in so many fields: his artistic twarts were well known to most in the art world. EHile in Qatar as the former minister of Arts and Culture, he setup the stucture for the planned super family of 10 museums- a real Smithsonian in Qatar. He had the Museum of Islamic Art designed by the famous Im Pei coming out of retirement to forge a last amazing structure as a favour to Sheikh Saoud Al-Thani.</p><p>Sheikh Saoud Al-THani, brought a cultural marvel toQatar, making it the place it is today. With the aim to educate and bring international, historical culture to the Qatari people, his focus moved to the youth and trying to create a nation that cared about history, showed interest in things of the past and thus questioned the future. With the historical aspect, he didn't want his country left in the past and....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3824Goodbye to Joe Freed2020-04-19T21:39:37+00:00Janet E. NottinghamNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Anyone attending an AFA convention in the mid 1980's and later would know the name Joe Freed, or his business "Thief of Hearts". Joe was always the one laughing, telling jokes, and rebel rousing the attendees as they filtered through the exhibit hall. His generosity toward aviculture as a science was apparent in the many pieces of equipment he donated to the fund raising events and raffles. As well, Joe himself often grabbed the microphone and encouraged convention attendees to "dig deep" and support the organizations and research that would further our professions. Joe was a good spirit; he is the kind of guy that everyone will miss.</p><p>What many did not know was how and why Joe appeared in aviculture, and that Joe knew something was wrong. After multiple tests and work ups in someof the top hospitals across the US, he was beginning to despair that the medical profession would ever get it sorted out. It was in the mid '80's and he was laying in bed in a major medical center in Boston, with his wife Kathy by his side, when....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3825Feathered Beauty At The 2014 AFA Convention2020-04-19T21:39:38+00:00Julie CorwinNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>THe birds entered into the show at the AFA in Portland brought wonderful colors and feathered beauty foe everyone to enjoy. The bird shows at the AFA conventions are bosted by Lory League and bring a different style of education, in a different format, along with some fun competition. The bird shows give exhibitors recognition for their part in aviculture, along with educating the exhibitors and the gallery watching the show. Attendees have a chance to see different species of birds in the best condition, and beginners, who are considered a "Novice", get to learn more about exhibiting, and what the judges are looking for.</p><p>Lory League researches the area where the AFA Convention is to be held, and attempts to host show divisions which are the most popular in the specific region and which has the best chance of having a large number of entries in the show or species that are not often seen at shows.</p><p>This year the bird shows at the AFA Convention included many different species and mutations of Finches, several speies of Softbills and variety of parrot species...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3826Pirate Parrots- When What We Bought Is Not What We Expected2020-04-19T21:39:38+00:00Christian E. Olartearatingaveterinaria@gmail.com<p>What kind of parrot is mine?</p><p>The wish of many people to have the best pet, the biggest, the most colorful, the rarest, the most beautiful of all take them to do things that are against common sense because of lack of information. In many cases, the end up receiving misleading or just false information.</p><p>This is the case of "dyed parrots", birds that are subjected to harmful procedures to make them look like what they are not, or at least, not the species we were told they were. They are fake. This is a very common problem that happens to owners when they decide to get a parrot as a pet. In the daily consultation, we have found a broad list of names given to certain species of parrots that actually neither belong to them nor even exist. Sometimes they just seem not to "fit" with the characteristics of th presumed species.</p><p>The incorrect names are just the beginning of a long list of problems that our feathered friends have faced. The names range from such as "Papagayo Parrot....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/38272015 AFA Super 8 Raffle Ticket Payment Stub2020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry2015 AFA Super 8 Raffle Ticket Payment StubCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3828"The Thing with Feathers"2020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00Tom MarshallNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Sheer numbers and enormous diversity among animals indicate that members of the Aves Class must be earth's most successful animal. There are around 10,000 different kinds of birds inhabiting our planet. That is more than twice the number of mammal species. What is most unique about birds, and which undoubtably has contributed to their success, is that they all have feathers.</p><p>Nowhere in nature will you find anything better than feathers. You will not find in the entire animal kingdom a more . versatile and stunningly gorgeous body covering than feathers. They have so many necessary functions that help birds survive and flourish. Feathers can keep birds cool in hot climates and warm in colder climates. They can repel water adn can protect from ultraviolet light, can act as camouflage and can attract mates during breeding seasons, and let's not forget that feathers give most birds the ultimate freedom of flight.</p><p>The evolution of feathers started with the dinosaurs, the avian variety of course....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3829Staying Connected: Person to Person2020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00Jamie WhittakerNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Many years ago, scattered throughout the United States there were pockets of people with a strong interest in birds. These individuals sharing a common passion formed bird clubs so that they could share their love of birds. Most clubs had an educational component, although, there was so much to be learned about birds at that time and so little information available. Many of these clubs had exhibitions, some had bird marts, and numerous ones had both.</p><p>Internet groups ad connections...</p><p>The early Internet discussion groups such as rec.petbird were places to ask questions and sometimes get adequate answers. In those early days you were just as likely tp be beaten up verbally as you were to get an answer you could use. THose groups evolved into discussion groups like Yahoo groups. If you are searching for a Yahoo group and type in the keyword "bird" and "parrot" and....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3830Join Our Flock In Your Flock Magazine2020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorrywww.InYourFlock.comCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3831AFA's IDEA Program: Interactive Display & Educational Animal Program2020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00Jason CreanNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorrySusan van den BroekNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>As active aviculturists, we should all consider educating people about avian life incredibly important. To sustain the AFA's educational mission, we encourage our members to share their love of birds with others in order to increase the exposure of aviculture. This can be done in a myriad of ways and some have already been engaged in this for some time. It is no secret that other organizations with missions of stopping the use of all animals in education have made their way into today's classrooms and communities sp it is imperative that we have a positive presence and are part of the debate. But we have an edge over these organizations: we have live animal ambassadors that engage people of all ages and increase their appreciation of nature and of aviculture.</p><p>Offering an educational program with your birds can be either interactive or just a display. Many programs held throughout the country involve conservation messaging where all participants can learn about the fascinating aspects of the many different species with which we share our lives. Many other organizations use outreach programs in order to spread their messaging and we should, too. Including our birds, however, allows people to make a personal and long-lasting connection with birds and it is a great way to educate while having fun along the way!</p><p>Program Purpose</p><p>The purpose of this program is simple: we want to provide some ideas to those....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3832Amazon Parrots- On A Tamaulipas Ranch (Mexico): 19962020-04-19T21:39:39+00:00Janice D. BoydNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>In 1996, a few years after having been bitten by the parrot bug (and occasionally by an African Grey and a Double Yellow-head Amazon), I made two trips to a working cattle ranch near the Gulf Coast of Mexico- Rancho los Colorados (figure 1). For a number of years the owner had let it be used by researchers studying the three resident species of Amazons: Double Yellow-heads (<em>Amazona oratrix</em>), Red-lored Amazons (<em>A. autumnalis)</em> and Green-cheeked Amazons (<em>A. viridigenalis</em>). Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich had just received his PhD from Texas A&M University, comparing the ecology and reproductive biology of the three species. Michael Schindlinger was studying Amazon vocalizations for doctoral research at Harvard; and Jack Clinton-Eitnear (a former AFA President and director of non-profit Center for the Study of Tropical Birds) was studying parrot ecology. It was a great place for research on Amazons, as parrots were almost dripping from the trees! That also made it a good place for a budding parrot conservationist with all the researchers around to explain the science behind what they were doing.</p><p>My first trip was an ecotour organized by Marie Digatono, a friend of Michael Schindlinger. For quite a few years she ran Vista de Pajaros Eco-tours for parrot...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/383425 Top Things to do in Chicago2020-04-19T21:39:40+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>www.timeout.com</p><p>Alder Planetarium</p><p>Brookfield Zoo</p><p>Chicago History Museum...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3835Amazon Parrots in Tamaulipas, Mexico: Back to the Ranch 20 Years Later2020-04-19T21:39:40+00:00Donald J. BrightsmithNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryErnesto Enkerlin-HoeflichNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryThe coastal plain of Tamaulipas, Mexico, is home to three species of Amazon parrots: red-crowned Amazon (<em>Amazona viridigenalis</em>), double yellow-headed Amazon (<em>Amazona oratrix)</em> and red-lored Amazon (<em>Amazona autumnalis)</em> (see Figure 3 in previous article in this issue). Like many Neotropical parrots, these populations have been under sonsiderable stress during the last decade of the 20th century and the first few decades of the 21st due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade. Habitat loss eliminates the large trees needed for nesting and reduces food supplies, while capture for the pet trade directly eliminates birds from the environment through a mixture of capture of adults and chicks. Sometimes chick harvesting is done by cutting into the nest cavity to remove the young or felling the entire nest tree, which further impacts the population by removing good nesting sites. Many parrot species can tolerate moderate to even heavy habitat modification, while some small species recover quickly even from the harvest...Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3836AFA Individual Sponsorships2020-04-19T21:39:41+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Diamond Sponsor $500</p><p>Ruby Sponsor $400</p><p>Sapphire Sponsor $300</p><p>Emerald Sponor $200</p><p>Pearl Sponsor $100</p><p>A New Way to Renew Your Membership, and Support the AFA. Choose your level...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3837Editor's Addendum2020-04-19T21:39:41+00:00Janice D. BoydNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryThis corresponds with "The Great Green (Buffon's) Macaw: The Ambiguous....Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3838A Record Number of Red-tailed Amazons, and How Nestboxes Have Helped2020-04-19T21:39:41+00:00David R. WaughNoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Restricted to a narrow coastal strip of Atlantic rainforest in southeast Brazil, the Red-tailed Amazon is a threatened species, but for which there is real optimism. At the end of the 1990's, BirdLife International estimated its entire population at between 2,500 and 3,500 individuals, and it was classified as 'Endangered' in the Red List of Threatened Species. Responding to that serious situation, since 1997 the Loro Parque Fundacion (LPF) has been supporting in situ conservation actions to prevent the sissappearance of this handsome species.</p><p>The results of these consevation measures are very encouraging. Since they began, the population has gradually increased year-by-year, and the most recent census, conducted in 2014, has revealed a population which now numbers a record 7,452 individuals. The LPF first supported Pedro Scherer-Neto, of the Curitiba Natural History Museum, to undertake the annual counts, which in the most recent decade have been continued by the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS- Sociedade de Pesquisa em Vida Selvagem e Educacao Ambiental). The partnership between the LPF and SPVS is not only the conduct....</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3839Member-to-Member Advantage Program2020-04-19T21:39:41+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>Up to 10 percent off specific regular-priced retail items.</p><p>When placing orders, identify yourself as an AFA member or use the code below- and thank you for supporting AFA! The following AFA member businesses are now offering discounts to other members!....</p><p> </p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3840Membership Application2020-04-19T21:39:42+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryOur proud members include pet owners, bird breeders, avian veternarians, rescue and rehoming organizations, sanctuaries, exhibitors, show judges, cage dealers....Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3841AFA Commerical Members2020-04-19T21:39:42+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.Sorry<p>AFA Member Sponsorship Program</p><p>A Big Thank You goes out to Our Sponsors</p><p>If you would like to sponsor a membership simply go to our website...</p>Copyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3842AFA Contributors and Life Members2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryAFA Contributors and Life MembersCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3843AFA Committee and Staff Appointments2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryAFA Committee and Staff AppointmentsCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3844AFA Officers and Members Clubs2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryAFA Officers and Members ClubsCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3845AFA Classifieds2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryAFA ClassifiedsCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbirdhttps://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/article/view/3846Advertiser's Index2020-04-19T21:39:43+00:00N/A N/ANoEmailProvided@ThisTime.SorryAdvertiser's IndexCopyright (c) 2019 AFA Watchbird