Posted by Glydin 3.9 on December 13, 2008, at 9:09:07
In reply to Re: Whew, I'm fine! :-) » fayeroe, posted by Glydin 3.9 on December 13, 2008, at 7:45:04
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Monk%20Parakeets%20Austin&w=all&s=intMonk Parakeets (see photos). These green gems are all over Austin, nesting in huge nests on power poles and business signs, and may well be the most popular birds in the city. Monk Parakeets were first found in Austin during the early 1980s, and have bred here for over 20 years. They are originally from Argentina and Brazil, and were introduced into Austin, and other cities across the country, probably by pet owners who tired of caring for the loud and long-lived green and gray birds. Now, they are a part of the local scene, giving a tropical air to Austin as they fly over the city. The first reported colony of Monk Parakeets in Austin was at the Paggi House restaurant at Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard (Gandara, 1995). From there the birds have dispersed and now inhabit the tall light poles in the parks around Town Lake. They construct their large stick nests atop the tallest light poles in softball fields. The Monks seem to prefer the tallest poles, about 60 feet, although some nests are found on lower telephone poles (personal observation). One nest can be seen in a tall tree on the west side of Barton Creek at Lou Neff Point. The nests are constructed mainly of Willow (Salix spp.) branches, but may include rope, carpet, newspaper, and cloth (personal observation). Nests are shared, and the aggressive parakeet has even been seen stealing nest material from other nests in the colony. Their diet consists chiefly of berries, tree buds and seeds, in particular Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) and American Elm (Ulmus americanus
According to the Travis Audubon Society, there are about 720 Monk Parakeets living in the Austin area.
poster:Glydin 3.9
thread:868279
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