A Visit To The Anangu Community Near Napo Wildlife Center

One of the best things about the Napo Wildlife Center is that the whole project is run by the local community and all the profits are retained in the local area.  This is the best outcome for eco-tourism as it provides a good income for people who might otherwise be tempted by the wild bird trade.  The village where these people live is right near the parrot clay licks and we had a nice visit there for lunch and a quick visit around the village and the craft market.

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RestroomsDSCN2053

Restaurant where traditional food was served.  My husband had fish and I had the vegetarian option as I don’t eat fish.  The carved tables and chairs are gorgeous!DSCN2052 DSCN2054 DSCN2055 DSCN2056 DSCN2057

The craft shop was awesome!  The carved birds were of excellent quality and very realistic.  Once I found out I could charge my purchases to my room and pay by credit card, I went nuts!  DSCN2058 DSCN2059 DSCN2060

You have to see them in person to appreciate them.  The birds range in price around $10-20 depending on size and detail so were well worth it!DSCN2060a DSCN2061

Of course one of these cute Cobalt-winged parakeets came home with me!DSCN2061a DSCN2062 DSCN2063 DSCN2064

I also bought a Paradise Tanager, Hoatzin, White-throated Toucan, Dusky-headed Parakeet & Black-headed Parrot which are all decorating my bedroom wall.DSCN2065

T-shirts were on the small side.DSCN2066

After being dragged out of the craft shop, we saw some pretty cool birds!  Here’s a Spot-breasted Woodpecker.DSCN2069

My blurry photo doesn’t do justice to this beautiful Violaceous Jay.DSCN2070a DSCN2071

Our guide Vladimir and 2 of his kids.DSCN2072

I think this village also has accommodation so it’s a good option that would be cheaper than staying at Napo Wildlife Center but still a sister property and you could spend more time learning about the culture.

 

Shopping For Bird Art In India

There’s no shortage of handicraft and antique shops in India and the good news for bird lovers is that many works of art feature birds!  Some of these are for sale (the ones in shops), others I saw in hotels and restaurants and they were not for sale.  I bought that saree!  I don’t get to wear it often but it sure is beautiful!  Here’s a few examples of bird art found in India.

IMG_1033 IMG_1514 IMG_1515 IMG_1708 IMG_0985 Parrots in folk art Parrots in folk art2

I was hoping to find a video of how these are made as they are pretty cool!  Although this video shows a close up of a “pregnant” elephant, I bought one of a “pregnant” parrot  from the shop in the 2nd photo.