Observing Macaws

Observing Macaws

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The macaw "clay lick" in the Amazon, made famous by photographer Franz Lanting in the January 1994 issue of National Geographic Magazine has caused people to arrive at Tambopata with very high photographic expectations. In reality to view macaws and parrots visiting the clay lick you will be located 100 - 200 meters away from the lick on the river bank. Also because the macaws find themselves in a vulnerable position and exposed to attacks by predators, the visitors must stay in a group and will not be allowed to move freely to avoid disturbing the activities at the lick. Even a 500mm lens will not be powerful enough to achieve frame-filling photos. The best chance to photograph macaws at close range will be at Tambopata Research Center, when the "chicos" (hand reared wild macaws from the TRC project) will visit the lodge. Also the photographer will have a chance to photograph the macaws and parrots at a reasonable distance during their flight to and from the trees across the river to eat the clay.