That is an interesting theory, I have not noticed a change in my sense of
smell with the macaw, except for now, I have a cold. That certainly would be
a great defense system. In the jungles, snakes are probably a major preditor
and they go mostly by smell for the hunt. I have kept snakes and they will
eat anything if it is scented with their normal prey's odor. That's why you
never want to handle a snake after you have handled a mouse, without washing
you hands first, if the snake is a rodent eater.

It amazing how much we still don't know about nature.
Byron
"Phil Jarvis"  wrote in message
news:SgdCd.273749$5K2.239068{at}attbi_s03...
> Speaking of bird scents, I have a wacky theory to float past the group.
>
> Historically I always had a pretty sensitive sense of smell.  But since
> I acquired my amazon, I've noticed that much of the time my sense of smell
> is substantially diminished.  Even when I take a hike down the road to
> get some fresh air, I can't really smell the forest smells I usually
> notice, but perhaps it's seasonal.
>
> While not one of the particularly "dusty" species of parrots,
> if you look at the amazon against a sunlit backdrop you'll see a fairly
> steady stream of incredibly fine particles that float upward from the
> bird (unlike the large skin flakes and such that drop down).
>
> I've been starting to wonder if there isn't a defense mechanism in this
> bird such that the fine particles inhibit olfactory senses in predators.
>
> Hogwash?  Or has anybody else noticed this in transitioning from a zero
> bird environment to one with birds (amazons in particular?).
>
>
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