Local woman trains macaw

Blue-throated macaw Ingrid. Photo: Mark BuschA local woman proves the old adage if you love something, set it free.

Neena Lynne McNulty, 47, has trained her macaw, Ingrid, to sore through the suburban skies and return back to her on command.

Photo: Mark Busch"To let a bird have the use of its wings is like the kindest thing you can do," McNulty said. "It's really the most enriching thing you can offer.  It's like the use of our legs, you know, we take (walking) for granted, but once you lose it, it can be the worse thing ever."

Photo: Mark BuschBirds gain a variety of skills by being able to free fly, such as how to judge distances better, how to maneuver for a landing and object preeminence, a skill where "even if (Ingrid) can't see me, she knows I'm here," said McNulty, gesturing at Ingrid as she squeaked from above.

 Besides the added mental simulation, she said flying is also good for the overall physical health of the bird.
"A skilled and well-trained flighted bird is just a much more happier bird," McNulty said.

Photo: Mark Busch