The Arizona Aviculture Society is a group of bird enthusiasts that is dedicated to the study and conservation of avian species. In 2021, the society organized a trip to Jamaica to search for the elusive black-billed amazon parrot, a species that is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction.
The black-billed amazon is a beautiful parrot species that is found only in Jamaica. Due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats, the population of these birds has declined dramatically in recent years, and they are now considered one of the rarest parrot species in the world.
The Arizona Aviculture Society‘s trip to Jamaica was a critical effort to locate and study the remaining population of black-billed amazon parrots, in order to help develop conservation strategies to save them from extinction. The trip was organized in partnership with local birding organizations and conservation groups, and it was led by expert birders and ornithologists who had extensive knowledge of the region and the species.
The trip began with an orientation session, during which the participants were briefed about the importance of their mission, and the challenges they were likely to encounter in the field. The group then set out to explore the bird-rich forests of Jamaica, looking for any signs of the elusive black-billed amazon.
Over the course of several days, the group scoured the forests, using a combination of visual and auditory cues to locate the birds. They listened for the distinctive calls of the black-billed amazon, and watched for signs of their activity, such as feeding and nesting behaviors. The team also deployed advanced birding techniques, such as mist-netting, to capture and study the birds up close.
Despite the difficult conditions and the challenging terrain, the group was able to locate and study several populations of black-billed amazon parrots during their trip. They were able to gather valuable data on the birds’ behavior, population dynamics, and habitat requirements, which will be used to inform future conservation efforts.
In addition to their scientific work, the group also engaged in outreach and educational activities, working with local schools and community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation. They shared their experiences and knowledge with the local people, and encouraged them to become involved in conservation efforts in their own communities.