Tropical Macaw Rescued After Being Stranded Overnight on Lake Michigan Bluff

You see all sorts of creatures on Lake Michigan beaches: seagulls diving for scraps, squirrels darting through the dune grass, dogs splashing in the surf, and of course, locals and tourists alike catching rays. I once even saw someone swimming in the lake with their pet iguana! But finding a bright tropical parrot stranded high on the beach bluff? That's a new one.

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That was the scene last week at Elberta Beach in Benzie County when a 23-year-old Scarlet Macaw named Blaze ended up trapped in a tree along the steep terrain.

City of Frankfort Fire and Rescue

Native to Central and South American rain forests, these birds are known for their brilliant red, yellow, and blue feathers. Known as the giants of the parrot world, they are built for warm tropical climates, not weathering a chilly night on Lake Michigan sand dunes.

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How a Pet Parrot Got Stranded on Lake Michigan Bluff

So what happened? According to the Benzie County Record Patriot, it all started when Blaze got startled by a dog. Panicked, the vibrant parrot took flight and landed high in a tree on the steep Elberta Beach Bluff. Unable to reach her, Blaze's owner, Bob, refused to leave her side, keeping watch beneath the tree throughout the night.

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The turning point came the next morning when the dog's owner returned to check on the situation. Seeing the bird still stranded and Bob still waiting, they called emergency services. The Frankfort Fire Department and Frankfort Police Department answered the call, arriving at the bluff to formulate a rescue plan.

Rescue in Benzie County

At first, rescuers brought in a bucket truck, but the bluff's steep drop and uneven ground kept them from positioning the bucket low enough over the edge to get near her, the Record Patriot reports.

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Switching to Plan B, crews geared up with specialized climbing and rope equipment to scale the bluff on foot. Responders climbed up, safely secured Blaze from her branch, and brought her back down to solid ground.

Photos shared by emergency services captured the rescue, showing the colorful bird sitting remarkably calm alongside her heroes and being reunited with a very relieved Bob.

Glad Blaze is home safely! And great job to all who helped!