Scene Around: One Eyed Jack Sighting — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

One-Eyed Jack the parrot at Barnacle Bill’s Dock in Rumson
Photos/Elaine Van Develde

Call it the real macaw — up close and personal.

“Well, that made my night!” a woman could be overheard exclaiming after a chance meeting with a special parrot that broke the table wait tedium at a packed Barnacle Bill’s in Rumson on Saturday night.

Birds of a Barnacle’s feather usually swoop together, so waiting is rarely considered a chore. After all, it is a Rumson area rite of passage. Besides, the view to accompany the wait is stellar. Also a rite. So, when an unwitting local star takes a little stroll on by the “waiters” with his master, the rite becomes a flock of cherries-on-top appetizers for all.

The star’s name? One Eyed Jack, the scarlet macaw. There was such a hustle of excitement to meet Jack that some details were left unasked, like his owner’s name, for instance. For shame.

His age? Not sure either. But, macaws can live a very long life — of up to 90 years in captivity. And Jack has been around for quite a while, we heard. Jack, we were told, had an illness when he was a baby, so his right eye had to be removed, hence his name. As his owner told the story, the real macaw casually turned his head to give a true star’s close-up pose, revealing the barely noticeable eyeless spot.

Perched on his master’s hand, he didn’t make a fuss or chatter and calmly watched as people fixed awestruck gazes upon him. He took in a few pettings, but did not offer any autographs. Then he made his exit down the dock, unfazed, leaving all quite fazed and elated over the chance visit.

“Aren’t you sorry you walked this way?” someone chimed in as Jack’s best bud kindly sopped up the stares, queries and smiles on their way to the boat slips.

Please, walk our way again, Jack! Thanks for the dinner preview show.

Do you know One Eyed Jack? Where have you seen him around the towns? Do tell.