Our four free macaws (one green-winged and three blue and yellows) can frequently be seen flying in and out for their daily treats. The Coopers' released Oberon and Ariel in 1990. Antonio obtained his freedom in 1997 with the helping beak of the late Oberon, despite three unsuccessful attempts by Wendy to let him go. In captivity he was fondly known as Mad Antonio and did not wish to leave voluntarily.

Antonio and Ariel have become unlikely mates. Puck lived on top of the Aviary for over a year, and young Juno (born here in captivity), was released to keep him company. You can spot them in the early morning and again around dusk. Wendy's breeding programme of blue and yellow's has been a great success since 1994. She is always happy to discuss the birds, and her future plans for the colony.

Other macaws have visited and stayed with us from time to time, and a rare Moluccan Cockatoo called Ratja was recently rescued from Grenada after being abandoned by its Swiss owners on the eve of Hurricane Ivan the Terrible, which devastated the mainland of Grenada on the 7th September 2004. Luckily, the colony once more survived the eye of Emily, when it passed directly over the estate on the night of the thirteenth of July 2005.

The BLUFF is the perfect spot to witness their dramatic and noisy descent and departure, just before sunset, up and away towards the rainforest slopes of High North. Puck and Juno return to roost outside the Coopers' living area and nod-off to classical music. Other than at breeding times, guests who bring hard nuts are welcome to come and feed the macaws in the morning, accompanied by Wendy. Needless to say, their diet is very complex and carefully prepared.

Nine blue-and-yellow chicks have been born at Prospect over the years. Wendy has hand-reared little Trinculo as her very own, and young Harry was born in August 2001. This all makes for a happy ending following their parents' capture by bird-smugglers on the Orinoco in 1990.

"Squawk! Squawk!"