When I did this self portrait several years ago I was alluding to my sensitive side along with my love for animals. At that time I'd never encountered a Scarlet Macaw in the wild. Now I find this illustration humorous. If I really had a Scarlet Macaw in my boudoir, peas would be the least of my concerns!
They are loud. They mate for life. And they constantly talk to their significant other. Not always of the opposite sex! Well, talking might be putting it mildly. Screaming is a more appropriate description. Their boisterous voices make it easy to spot them in the wild. You can hear them coming. And their voice is unmistakable. Now if I were to do an illustration like this I would paint two Scarlets. They need companionship to survive.
Sleep (or lack there of) is the theme for www.illustrationfriday.com
I encountered this Ocelot at the Belize zoo a few years back. She might not be the Leopard of my illustration, but her markings are so beautiful and similar I decided to include her today. She was so curious about us I managed to get quite a few good shots. All of the animals at the Belize Zoo are rescues.
This is my favorite shot. Because I just love the markings on the back of her ears
We saw plenty of Scarlet Macaws. This one came right over to greet us. I don't remember if there was a loud squawk hello.
But it is even more fun to see happy and healthy birds in the wild. I just got back from the Osa penninsula of Costa Rica. It is the Garden of Eden of birds and animals. Scarlets are an everyday sighting. How great is that! We were by the pool one afternoon, and 50-60 squirrel monkeys came flying through the trees. It was quite a sight. I later learned that it is common to see such huge packs.
But just because there are a lot of Scarlets doesn't mean they are always easy to see or photograph. They are busy eating. And it is hard to believe, but these large colorful birds can easily disappear behind this foliage.
A big chomp.
P.S. I put this photo on facehole and got 7 "likes" No one said what a beautiful bird or photograph. Why is it that some people can post that they are taking out the garbage and get 20 people to ask, "How often, what kind and do you recycle?" I just hear birds chirping. Literally. Ha! Uff da.
Then it's, "adios amigos". And they are on to the next tree. And the next...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Scarlet Macaws are perfect for this holiday. They mate for life, are red and eat flowers!
22 comments:
What a wonderful post.. We missed the zoo in Belize..Wish we had more time.. And I would love to go back to Costa Rica, awesome place for birding.. I love your Macaw photos, they are beautiful birds.. Great photos! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.. Have a happy Valentine's Day weekend!
The Ocolet's marking are stunning especially the close ups of her neck. great bird shots as well. Have a happy weekend.
That ocelot is a gorgeous animal. So is the macaw, of course but I'm always drawn to cats. Your self portrait, always is so impressive. You do such beautiful work.
The Facebook thing... I think that people have SO many people and posts to read and are so used to just giving the approval by way of a "like." If something is said that they can relate to, then they insert themselves into the conversation more readily. Communication is a funny thing, these days.
Awesome captures! I love the Ocelot, It's a gorgeous animal with amazing patterns in the fur.
Wow...that big cat, the ocelot takes my breath away. What a beauty. And your colorful, beautiful bird photos are outstanding.
Once again, thanks for taking time to add your link to share your birding post at I'd Rather B Birdin'!!!
The ocelot is such a beautiful animal, the light eyes are arresting. The curly markings on the neck are my favorites, it feels tempting to stroke that short fur. How fun to see the Macaws feeding and flying around in the wild, as well as the packs of squirrel monkeys. So many places I haven't been to see the wildlife!
Pretty kitty. Almost makes me feel like going to the zoo, but it's -7 degrees today and I'm not going. It's nice to think of warm places and noisy birds :)
Wow that Macaw is an amazing and colorful bird. People on "you know where" would rather comment on stupid stuff it seems.
Anyway I loved the bird and that Ocelot is absolutely a gorgeous cat.
Nice artwork! Love the ocelot and the scarlet mackaws too. Really nice photos! The jaguar is my favorite wild cat, but I love them all!
Wonderful shots of ocelot and macaws.
Gorgeous photos, as always! And interesting facts, too! Love visiting here!
The ocelot is very beautiful, and so is your illustration!
Scarlet Macaws are a magnificent looking bird, how wonderful to see them flying and feeding in the wild.
Gorgeous birds and ocelot.
You did well getting so many shots of him, Sharon! I'm in awe of markings on all animals. Even the tiniest can be so beautiful and unique. Have a wonder-filled week!
Gorgeous self-portrait. Love the captures too and especially enjoying the scarlet macaws.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Ocelot is a beautiful animal, perfectly photographed.
The Macaws are beautiful, my compliments.
Beautiful shots, definitely! Especially form this big bird, macaw, found in tropical forests!
Big hug from Brazil!
Bia <°))))<
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com
It would be the ocelot under that mattress (and that pea) that would worry me more! But oh how wonderful to see one in real... And all those macaws and the squirrel monkeys! Amazing. I love your sensitive illustration (;))) ...and love and envy your trip to Costa Rica. It is high on my wish list anyway and now even more so.
so much TALENT!!! Golly, it is an adventure visiting your site. I have a friend whose siblings left her with a Macaw . . .she has never been pleased with the situation . . AND - this Ocelot is stunning - when i was a little girl, my daddy was part of a Big Band - the troupe traveled around like an enormous family and one of the members had an ocelot. My dad would take me across the pool patio to the room that lady and her companion were staying in - the grown-ups would play cards and i would play with the "kitty" - when we got too wild and crazy - it was time to take me out to splash in the pool . . and enjoy an after swim ice cream - the creature friend would get to wear a bib and have lunch . . . without my assistance. (show people of the 20th century - a world all its own.)
My brother in law has a pair of them and you are so right. They are SO LOUD!
Your photos of the Ocelot are amazing! They are beautiful.
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