Parrots have been in the news in the state of Sinaloa over the last two days.

Two men were caught transporting 476 baby parrots – mostly conures that are endangered in this area. They asserted that the birds were from Costa Rica but local experts believe they were wild caught here in the state. You can read today’s article in the Noroeste here. (The pictures above and below are really wonderful if you click them to enlarge…)

Mazatlán has a very active and dedicated rescue organization, Conrehabit. We got to know them the first week we were in our house, when a Night Heron crashed into our courtyard and was injured. They picked him up and attempted to save him, unfortunately without success.

The word went out on the local boards yesterday that Mazatlán was getting 276 of the rescued baby parrots. People were asked to help with hand feedings or if not able to do that, donations (PayPal is accepted) were welcomed on the Conrehabit website. (link above)

Paul called and talked to some of the people coordinating the effort, and today we went and picked up 50 baby parrots to foster for a couple of weeks. We have only done one feeding, but it wasn’t quite as messy or as difficult as we thought it might be. The feeding took a little over an hour. Their food is a combination of Pedialyte and Gerber Rice & Grain. We mix it up thin and put it into a syringe. They gobble it up.

The birds need feedings three times a day at least. And you should hear the racket they make! When they start eating on their own they will eventually be moved to Conrehabit’s ranch, where there is a large aviary. Eventually, once the government says it is ok to do so, they will be set free.

For any of you who are so inclined, I am sure Conrehabit would welcome your PayPal donation. If you live in the area and want to help, we’d love your help with a feeding or maybe you would like to foster some birds yourself. Email us or stop by if you like!

We were told today that the perpetrators of this crime are subject to a 9 year jail sentence. Seems fair to me.

Added Sat. 4/5: If you like parrots, check out the NY Times interactive on some people with 11 parrots!