[SDavid]

A while back I ran into a couple in a bird store who came in for information. They had bought an unweaned greenwing macaw at a flea market and didn't know what to do. I forget the price they paid at the moment but it was really low. I remember how surprised I was when they told me and was thinking "who would sell such a valuable bird for such a low price?" Meaning how could someone not know they are expensive birds.

I had a better idea of what the story probably was after reading "Of Parrots and People." There's a section on the authors research about smuggled birds and how they come to be sold at flea markets and on street corners. Usually in the back somewhere discreet and tucked away. Don't know if this was the case with what you saw but the mention of flea market birds reminds me of what I read.

Birds are just merchandise to people who do things like this. I don't know how a person can have no empathy but it's sad and ruins your day when you come accross it.