Gentle Blue Giants

	Ditto Ditto wanted to get a closer look at what Dominic was holding since she was put on a perch.
	Dominic with Febe Its an understatement to say that the birds love Dominic. Here Febe sneaks a kiss during his visit.
	Cindy with Ditto Ditto decided to seal the new project with a handshake.
	Sangitta This is Sangitta an ambassador to all birds and one of the gentle giants.
	Mandy Standing tall for her moment in front of the camera eying Dominic.

During his visit at Serenity Park all of the birds wanted their time with Dominic. It's amazing how these rescued birds just flocked to this young man. His celebrity and musical talents did not woo them in fact they were unaware but his open heart and willingness to help their endangered feathered friends made him one of the flock almost instantaneously. And this is just the beginning...

The Basics of the Hyacinth Macaw

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is one of 16 living species of macaws and the largest parrot in the world. There are six genera of macaws and the Hyacinth is one of three species of the genus Anodorhynchus. One of the other two species of this genus is thought to be extinct (A. glaucus, the Glaucus Macaw) and the other (A. leari, called either the Lear's or Indigo Macaw) is severely threatened.

A typical length for the Hyacinth Macaw is 100 centimeters, or about 40 inches. A typical weight of captive-bred adults is 1,250 grams (about 2 ¾ pounds). The plumage of these magnificent parrots is predominately a deep cobalt blue (see photos). In natural light, the head appears to be a lighter shade of blue and has an almost iridescent quality. Flight and tail feathers are dark gray on their undersurface. The huge, grey to black bill is deeply curved and sharply pointed. The bill's lack of the tooth-like ridges characteristic of other genera of macaws gave rise to the scientific name for the Anodorhynchus macaws (an=no, odo=tooth, rhynchus=nose). There are two bare areas of the face, a prominent and deeply golden colored eye ring and the peri-mandibular area making a beautiful contrast with the rich blue plumage.

The Vision

Dominic has decided to take on a huge project with the help of a few friends.

First Dominic will design, build, and raise the funding for a new full flight aviary on the grounds of the VA hospital in Los Angeles at Serenity Park Parrot Sanctuary. He plans to construct a 30ft by 50ft aviary 12ft tall for these majestic creatures.

As if that's not enough, Dominic will also spearhead the transfer of unreleasable young birds from outside the United States to Serenity Park Parrot Sanctuary in the hope that they can be saved. Here a natural habitat with species appropriate vegetation will be built for the flock. The Hyacinth Macaw is an endangered species and we are systematically destroying their habitat and thereby almost ensuring their demise. Dominic will videotape this effort in the hope that the plight of this great parrot can be told to the world and we can avoid this tragedy.

And finally, once transfered back to the United States and Serenity Park, Dominic will help to develop the team of ex-military veterans whos responsibility will be the well being of these gentle giants.

To be part of this project and to help Dominic and Serenity Park please email Dominic at dominic@parrotcare.org.

-Original Sketch by Dominic Scott Kay