States that have wild flocks

01-02-2008, 07:15 AM

I have been doing some reading about the areas that have wild Quaker flocks. I had previously read about them being in California, Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Florida. Yesterday I read they're also in Texas!

Quote:

Monk Parakeets in the U.S. Today
By Mishelle Lawson

The Monk Parakeet, or Quaker as it is commonly known, is a native of South America and has managed to establish feral colonies around the United States.

Because it is adapted to the temperate regions of South America, the Monk Parakeet does not depend on a tropical climate, as do many exotic caged birds. Thus there are fewer barriers to it's naturalization; even in the northern U.S.! The climate similarities have allowed it to flourish in certain regions of the country, specifically Florida, New York, and my own native Texas.

Here in Austin, Texas, Quakers flourish around our Town Lake area atop utility poles and taller trees. They build large bulky communal nests and can easily be located by the extremely loud squawking that accompanies such a home. This particular bird colony apparently got it's start from a few released/escaped pairs, formerly pets.

Feral colonies were first reported in 1967, and by 1972, Monk Parakeets were found across the continent. During the period from 1968 to 1970, nearly 35,000 monk parakeets were imported . In a major avian fiasco, crates containing Monk Parakeets were broken open at Kennedy airport and contributed to the initial spread. By 1973, there were at least 5,000 free flying parakeets. Because the species has proved a major agricultural pest in Argentina, steps were taken to control the feral populations in several states in the U.S. It remains a controversy whether the Monk Parakeets pose a true threat to U.S. crops.

The Monk Parakeet remains the most abundant in southern Florida, where it shares the hospitable, subtropical climate with the Canary-winged Parakeet, Budgerigar, Rose-winged Parakeet and a host of other liberated pets. A number roam the thickets and suburban neighborhood of Texas, too, surprising birders unaccustomed to having parrots within view. This is how I first happened apon the species. I was sun-bathing at a natural spring-fed pool near my home in Austin, Texas when I noticed one casually strolling along in the grass. Having never seen a free-flying parrot, I sat up and scanned the grass for more, and there they were! About 7 or 8 of them wandering around under the big shady trees, enjoying the day with us. Imagine my surprise when visiting my mother, she presented her new "Quaker" to me and I recognized it from that previous day. "I'd get your money back, mom," I advised, "That's nothing but an Austin yard bird." She was not amused. Monk Parakeets in the U.S. Today

If you have a link, story or picture about a wild flock in an area, please post it here. Does anyone have any information about the flocks in Chicago?

01-02-2008, 07:45 AM

Thank you Karen for your contributions to the forum, I will do my best to locate some information concerning the Chicago area.

01-02-2008, 08:49 AM

No updated news maybe good news.
BrooklynParrots.com: A Web Site About the Wild Parrots of Brooklyn: Photo-Essay: The Fabulous Wild Parrots of Chicago

It could be possible the fate of these birds in Chicago is kept hush hush.

I pray no harm has fallen upon them.

Chicago recently outlawed the pet ownership of Pigeons within its city limits.
Maybe its because the officials are finally seeing what the hobbist and or the Racing person does by contributing to the feral population.
I am currently communicating with city officials here in St Paul & Minneapolis to help encourage them to place the same law into effect here.
I have already submitted my findings (with Pictures) proving the Racing Pigeon industries contribute a great deal to the feral populations.
All of this could have been avoided if there was compromise by the Racing Sport, but NO, they choose to try and humilitate me and my efforts, and have decided not to make changes within the sport, now the feds are coming down on the sport and I will be there to help the feds (Big Time).

01-02-2008, 10:57 AM

Thanks for that link Arty, very interesting reading.