Scarlet Macaw project

Hey everyone. We're ready and waiting for Dr. Tim Wright's class from New Mexico State University to arrive May 9. They'll spend 2 weeks here in Belize at La Milpa Field Station, Cayo, Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve and then Tobacco caye. Check back May 9 for class updates!

So, until then - I get to help with Charles' Scarlet Macaw project. It's going really well for them but unfortunately yesterday we weren't able to get two kayaks fixed in time for me to go out this week. SO, Charles and Brad are using the 2 working ones (the other 2 needs repairs) and James who's visiting from New Mexico doing short fish project is using his own blow up kayak. Our friends Ernesto, Daniel, and a belizean student who was with us on Dr. Roemer's class last year (Ron - who's dad owns Chaa Creek) helped find a solution to the kayak repair issue. No plastic welders in Belize but we may have come up with a temporary solution involving roofing materials...we'll see!

The drop off at Ballerina road/reservoir put in. The Jeep and the guys preparing for the 5-day expedition up Raspaculo.

Brad sharpening his machete. Notice the new gloves (thanks to Brad's mom for those and a million other things she's sent in care packages!)

Charles and Brad starting off (it's pretty mucky in the res).

Taking off on the Macal river (reservoir above Chalillo Dam); James on the left, Charles and Brad.

This macaw project is hard work. It's mostly due to humor (and going a little nutty) that they aren't burned out yet despite weeks of intense field work - with only a day or 2 off to fix the jeep, wash clothes, buy food, make jerky, update their data points, update the blog...and then hope to have time to sleep/relax. They are constantly on the go! If you haven't read their blog about what they are doing - you just have to see for yourself. Check out Charles' blog http://scarlet-macaws.blogspot.com/.