Macaws are generally colorful
neotropical parrots native to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. They are mostly associated with
rainforests. The
Blue and Gold Macaw is a large (30 to 34 in) bird, popular as a pet because of its vivid
appearance and ability to
mimic human speech. Due to its size and loud vocalizations, it is a
hard-to-care-for pet.
Zero is a surprisingly difficult concept to comprehend. Ancient Greeks were uncertain about "how nothing could be something". While the
Mayan numbering system included
zero 2000 years ago, the Western world did not have a systematized concept of
zero until the introduction of
Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe in the 12th Century. In fact, since the
Gregorian Calendar begins in the year 1 A.D., many people do not comprehend why the third millennium actually began in the year 2001, and not the year 2000.
What does the "concept of zero" have to do with parrots? A
study suggested that an African gray parrot named Alex, may be able to comprehend the
mathematical concept of zero; something an average three-year-old child can not grasp.
This photo was taken at the
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge during the
2010 Annual Cradle of Birding Festival.
Song of the Day:
The Girl from Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilberto and Stan Getz (1964)