"Five Baby Parrots" captures an enchanting moment through the vibrant portrayal of a group of orphaned Amazona parrotlets. This artwork invites viewers into a lush, tropical world where colors dance and life thrives. These are the lucky ones and they perch, huddled together for reassurance, being hand-reared by Jamaica’s own wildlife whisperer, Wendy Lee (who also took the photo). Wendy single-handedly cares for many parrots of Jamaica’s protected indigenous species, rescued from the illegal pet trade. The babies are particularly vulnerable to thieves, as they are trusting and biddable. When stolen from their nests at too young an age, they can never learn to feed themselves, and so Wendy’s work is never done. (Read my blog to learn more about Wendy and the Seven Oaks Wildlife Sanctuary.)

The artist employs blocky brush strokes and a rich palette, creating a dynamic interplay of greens and yellows that evoke a sense of warmth and vitality. The piece serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the importance of preserving such beauty. As the parrots cluster together, their individual personalities become more apparent as we see how they relate to one another.