By Brenda Cannon Henley
Week before last while entertaining four house guests from Tennessee in our home in Florida, we chanced to go on a real adventure. Starting out in mid morning, we drove from the Tampa-St Pete area to the wonderful little town of Tarpon Springs. Best known for its Greek settlers and world famous sponge docks, visitors return time and time again for the authentic Greek food served in its restaurants, watching the sponge boats being unloaded at the docks in the afternoons, and the amazing water views up and down the coast.

Located a few short miles from Tarpon Springs is the beautiful Anclote River which merges with the Gulf of Mexico. Our group visited the Anclote Gulf Park, which houses a popular 23-acre park. Its biggest draw is the very long fishing pier extending out into the Gulf waters and open 24 hours each day for fishing. The park itself is open sunup to sundown, but the fishing pier is open 24/7 for the avid sportsmen.

The park also offers a beach, two dog parks, a nice playground, picnic areas, restrooms, and remarkable spots for viewing the big manatees that call the area home. Food for humans is available near the park’s entrances, and fish bait and tackle is readily available for the fishermen.

Walking back toward land on the long wooden pier, I spotted a bright flash of color, but could not determine exactly what I was seeing. Never having been shy, I stepped up my pace and headed toward a kind lady in a wheel chair, her son, son in law, and her care giver.

Judith, owner and companion of Rambo, and two other parrots, that live totally free range in New Port Richey, FL. Rambo is originally from Brazil and can live upwards of 80 years. Judith is accompanied by David, her son, and Carl, her son in law.

I introduced myself and met Judith, a nearby Port Richey resident, her son, David, and son in law, Carl. The bright flash of color sitting on Judith’s shoulder was even more beautiful up close and personal. The colors of this Green Winged McCaw were breathtaking and I was awed by the size of this bird. Introducing our group to Rambo, we were all surprised that he was not restrained in any way and seemed to quickly obey each thing Judith or David said to him. He made no attempt to fly away, investigate other activity, or head out to sea.

Sandra Baggett, retired teacher from Tennessee Ridge, TN, enjoys meeting Rambo in Holiday, FL, on the Gulf.

Judith and David were happy to tell us all about Rambo and his two companions who were at home a few miles away. “We enjoy coming to the Gulf for some fresh salt air, sunshine, and to meet folks,” said Judith. Rambo, a formerly constantly caged bird, has been living a very happy life as a totally free range parrot for the 18 years he has been Judith’s constant companion.

Troy Rye of Erin, TN, and Largo, FL, carrying on a detailed conversation with Rambo the Green Winged MaCaw, a free range parrot on the Anclote River on the Gulf in Holiday, FL.

“The birds are much better than dogs or kittens for me,” said Judith stroking Rambo’s head and neck. “Much less expensive to care for, eat what I eat, sleep when I sleep, and never run off on their own.” I immediately asked if the birds were not caged at night, and got a bit of a bristle out of Judith. “I said totally free range, like God made them,” she said.

“I don’t own cages. All three of the birds spend time on my front porch when the weather is good. When I go to bed, they go to their perches where they sleep.” Judith added that they go visiting from time to time and that Rambo would not think of flying away, although he could.

As if to demonstrate his ability to fly, Rambo quickly flew over to my son in law, Troy Rye’s, shoulder, where he perched happily. From there, he went to Rye’s sister, Sandra Bagget’s shoulder, and visited for a while.

Rambo is a member of the Green Winged McCaw family, second only in size to the Hyacinth McCaw, which is the largest parrot species. The Green Winged McCaw is often called the gentle giant because of its calm disposition and mild manner. Rambo’s scientific name is “Ara chiloroptera,” and the adult size can reach 40 inches long with a 49-inch+ wingspan. It can reach three and 3/4 pounds with a life expectancy of 50 years. However, proven reports have documented lifespans reaching into the 80s. David and Judith believe Rambo’s country of origin is Brazil.

Green Winged McCaws are quite affectionate with a usually even, easy going disposition. They are friendly and enjoy hours of interaction with humans. “These birds are brilliant,” said David. “Rambo knows words and can do certain tricks.”

Judith assured our assembled group that Rambo is indeed her care companion extraordinaire. “Why, Rambo keeps me more company than most humans ever would.” Rambo and family surely provided an exciting adventure for our group on the Anclote River on the Gulf.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, or
[email protected]

[Feb-1-2021]