Macaw Landing Wildlife Refuge
My homeschool group took a tour yesterday of the Macaw Landing Wildlife Refuge. This amazing place is located in Northeast Portland near Marine Drive. It's pretty inconspicuous, so if you go, don't expect large signs to greet you. It is a home to more than a hundred macaws, native to the Amazon, that were given up by their owners who couldn't handle the commitment they require. It's a bird paradise! They give tours seven days a week, three times a day in summer and twice a day the rest of the year, because these very social birds really love company. And wow, did everyone love the birds!
Jack Devine, the mastermind behind this place, is exactly the kind of person who makes a great teacher. He's smart, kindhearted, very passionate about something and very excited to share it, especially with children. He's also deeply concerned about the Amazon and the horrendous effects that the ongoing rainforest destruction is having on not just the remaining macaw species, but all life on earth. (He pointed out that 20% of the entire world's oxygen supply comes from the Amazon, so clearing it is not exactly the brightest idea). He's obviously a believer in the theory that one of the best ways to connect people with the environment is to help them directly interact with animals. Not only did he let us visit with these remarkable birds, he took us on a little walk in the wildlife refuge where we could see a large tree recently felled by beavers and pet a very sweet donkey. He pointed out a popular turtle nesting site, and many more animals can be seen in warmer months. He also gave each of the children a gorgeous macaw feather. We really enjoyed our visit. It was a magical day. http://www.macawlanding.org/refuge.html
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