The Yellow-eared Parakeet (Ognorhynchus jaundice) is an endemic species of Colombia that was on the verge of extinction until a few years ago. Thanks to conservation efforts, this species went from Critical (CR) to Vulnerable (VU) category, becoming one of the most important examples of the recovery of species in Latin America. Understanding the importance of this species for our country, the Yellow-Eared Parakeet and Migratory Birds Festival was held on October 13 and 14 in Jardín, Antioquia.
This Festival was a space for learning and exchanging experiences about birds through recreational, academic, and bird-watching activities within the framework of October Big Day.
The agenda of this meeting started with the forum “Preservation of the Yellow-eared Parakeet and Biodiversity in the Municipality of Jardín and the Southwest of Antioquia.” This was framed of four presentations by experts in the area, who provided tools to the participants focused on the preservation of the species of this territory.
After this academic space, a recreational and cultural day was held in the central park with more than 100 people, including children, young people, and adults.
Activities such as the ladder parrot, painting and crafting, and outdoor games were part of the actions held to raise awareness about the care of nature, the importance of migratory birds, and how to contribute to protecting the Yellow-Eared Parakeet.
This activity was supported by a group of soldiers from Infantry Battalion No. 11 Cacique Nutibara of the municipality of Andes (Antioquia) of the National Army of Colombia.
In this festival, migratory birds were also protagonists. On Saturday, October 14, as part of the October Big Day – a community science activity that invites people out to count birds from anywhere in the world to contribute to the knowledge of avifauna- a day of bird watching was held with a group of 12 children participating in the Bird Friendly Schools program in the Loro Orejiamarillo – ProAves Reserve, from four villages in the municipality of Jardín.
During the sighting day, a tour was made with the children, future conservationists of our planet, who got to know the reserve, spot different species, learn about the identification of birds, and learn some recommendations when observing wildlife.
This festival was made possible thanks to entities such as NMBCA, Environment for the Americas, Conservación Internacional, Jardín Exótics, Mujeres por la Conservación, and Infantry Battalion No. 11 Cacique Nutibara of the Colombian National Army and the Municipal Administration, which are key actors in the protection of avifauna.
Our dream for preservation continues its flight. From ProAves, we will continue to sow the seed of care and the preservation of biodiversity in the communities of our country; in addition, we will continue contributing from our actions to the preservation of the Yellow-eared Parakeet and providing safe spaces for migratory birds, our extreme travelers.
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