I am the proud owner of a Green wing Macaw, male, soon to be 28 years old. I have had him since a rescue from a horrible pet store in California. Here is my comment.
I hate to see people out on public display with these creatures. It gives the passerby the impression, "Oh, how cool to have a bird like that"? As responsible owners we spend a lifetime educating the public about the responsibility of owning or having these incredible creatures own us. I would so love to hear and receive comments on this subject. I know first hand of someone who went out and spontaneously purchased a bird with this intention "to be cool and attract chicks"
This sickens me. Love and enjoy these precious creatures in the privacy of your own home or green space....but please do not parade them around the stupid public!