I have done a parrot survey at a place called REGUA (Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu) Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil. It is a private reserve registered as a charity with the Brazilian Government.
Blue winged Macaws visit this reserve and we are looking into the regularity of this.
I have been given permission to install artificial nest boxes for these macaws.
I am asking for information about any similar project in particular to find a nest box design that is proven to work in the wild.
I am going back to Regua in November and would like to take some details with me so I can start to develop this plan.
I am still putting a comprehensive survey report together and this will go onto a website http://www.theparrotsofregua.co.uk soon. We gathered lots of information on our survey in November/December 2007 and it is taking lots of time to analyse it and put it in a usable format but we are getting there.
A short summary of the survey is attached
Thanks in anticipation
Steve Brookes
Wild Parrots Up Close

Hi Steve,

Interesting work! I am in Brazil in November, might meet you there.

Nest box use was pioneered for macaws by Charles Munn see: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1170/is_/ai_15714757 for example.

The use of next boxes is now successfully applied by proaves in Colombia http://www.proaves.org/rubrique.php?id_rubrique=297

This book http://store.wptestoreuk.com/servlet/Detail?no=13 also goes into design of nest boxes and is a must for any parrot conservationist.

All best,

Roelant

Hi Roelant

Many many thanks for these details they will help me.

Where in Brazil are you going and what dates?

Meanwhile for anybody else I am still looking for other successes with artificial nest boxes specifically for Blue winged Macaws (Illigers macaws).
It is always best to see as many different ideas as possible to hopefully create the best results.

Thanks

Steve Brookes
Wild Parrots Up Close

Hi Steve,

Why not join this yahoo group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/illigersmacaw/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=39

I bet there will be few folks on there that breed Blue-wings and can enlighten you about nest box design.

I will be spent 21 days in the south exploring the Atlantic forest parrots and visiting project. REGUA is on my wish list but I don’t think I can afford it. Any tips?

Depending what the Dutch press will do we go north to Belém and Marajo and hope to visit Boa vista to witness the sun conures there ourselves.

Cheers,

Roelant

Hi Roelant

Thanks yet again. I will give it a try.
What project is it with the Atlantic forest parots? Are there any details on websites for this?
REGUA is not that expensive but if you want to go at any time let me know and I will see what can be done maybe it could help with the other project you are visiting. Contact me directly if you want .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 
I read the topic on the sun conures and found it very interesting.
Once again Thanks
Have a great and fruitful time in Brazil
Steve

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Hi
This more or less confirms what I thought would be ideal for these macaws as it replicates the actual dead palm with hollowed out top which I have seen in the wild.
My other thoughts are that do I install the nest box on a live palm or erect a pole for them.
Has any one any experience with either method and with what results.
I could experiment with each type but this all takes time and if it has been done elsewhere and I know which has given the best results then hopefully if I follow this example it would give better results quicker and benefit these macaws for a faster recovery in this area of the Atlantic Rainforest.
Thanks for every ones help
Steve Brookes
Wild Parrots Up Close

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Arara Preta - 17 October 2008 08:10 AM

Hi Roelant ! If you go to Marajo you will se the Savanah Yellow Crown Amazon Parrot , Amazona ochrocephala xhantolaema, The Marajo Parrot (Huge yellow head). A giant Amazon that eat Mauritia Palm fruits ! A different subspecie from the continent, Amazona ochrocephala ochrocephala (only crown is yellow)smaller than Marajo Parrot. In South Amazonia, in Peru , Bolivia, Acre (in Brazil) the subspecie is Amazona ochrocephala nattereri (bluish crow with almost no yellow), smaller bird.

Really hope to encounter xhantolaema. Recent studies say they are more close to Amazona aestiva which makes sense to me.

I like the species. To little is really known about it. They are said to occur on the mainland north of Marajo as well.  What’s your opinion?

Hi
I have seen the various pods of Killer Whales and their different preferences in foods but I never thought to consider this difference could occur between the Blue winged macaws (or any other species) as regards food or nest sites. Thanks for the enlightenment this will make me look at things very differently now.
Anyway back to nest sites. The macaws I am observing nest in very open areas where they can see for long distances.
I can see the way to go now with a combination of nests on poles and attached to existing palm trees.
The REGUA reserve is undergoing a substantial tree planting process some 20000 trees annually now so along with the poles new palms will be planted to facilitate natural nest sites in the future.
Thanks
Steve
Wild Parrots Up Close

Hi Steve,

Also take into account that it may take several years for the macaws to accept nest boxes. What you might observe is that it takes a couple of years before the fist pair breeds in a nest box after which the trend is set and more pairs will follow. Older established pairs cannot be expected to change their natural cavity strategy and it might be the younger generations that will first need to mature and then start to show interest in the boxes. So patience.

Cheers,

Roelant

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It is Primolius maracana.
Lots to take in and process

It only needs me to put it into practice now.
I will post some results inthe future

Thanks for everyones replies

Steve
Wild Parrots Up Close

Photo’s of the parrots of Parrot Island and Marajo: http://flickr.com/photos/parrots/sets/72157613199737767/

Blue winged macaws were not at all rare!

All best,

Roelant

Hi Roelant
I have checked out your flickr site and photos are great.
I went to Belem in 2000 including the Parrot Island where we were told 20000 Orange winged Amazons roost and it was a spectacular sight at first light in the morning. Amazing to see so many parrots in such close proximity to man.
Unfortunately I did not go to Marajo and did not see the Blue winged Macaws.
We went further down the river to Caxiuana to see the Golden Conures. A trip I want to repeat some day so it would be good to take in Marajo at the same time.
Thanks for your contact
Regards
Steve
Wild Parrots Up Close