Breeding and fledging in the wild does not always unfold as expected. For one young Military Macaw at El Santuario de las Guacamayas in Mexico, the journey from nest to sky required time, patience, and careful management.
Last year, a chick later nicknamed “Concha” attempted to fledge from nest number 12, but was unable to do so. Injuries caused by insect larvae left her unable to fly. Without intervention, her prospects would have been poor.
To support her recovery while keeping her as wild as possible, sanctuary staff constructed a temporary aviary on site. The structure remained open, allowing her access to a nearby tree, while providing protection during the early stages of healing.
Her rehabilitation was gradual. Feather regrowth took time, and because she could not fly, she was unable to reintegrate with the wild flock. At first, she managed only short hops between the aviary and the tree. Throughout this period, her parents continued to visit regularly.
Over time, staff encouraged greater movement by placing natural food outside the aviary. Incrementally, her confidence increased. One day, responding to her parents’ calls, she flew approximately 120 metres to forage in a nearby tree. Soon after, she extended that distance to more than 600 metres. Despite this progress, she continued returning to the aviary, which remained available to her.
At the beginning of this year, however, she did not return.
Staff searched the surrounding area for several days with no sign of her. Concern grew that she may have been predated. On January 6th, Yamil, a member of the Santuario team, observed three macaws flying together overhead. Among them was a bird with a distinctive flight pattern and a damaged tail feather.
It was Concha.
After ten months of recovery and careful management, she had rejoined the wild flock.
Her nickname, given light-heartedly because she appeared comfortable remaining in her aviary, ultimately proved temporary. The choice to leave was hers.
