The Parrots Are Back!

Last summer we had the first-time pleasure of seeing our local Monk Parrots, also called Quaker parrots. Abby and I pulled into the driveway one day, and when we got out it was apparent that we had new visitors. The symphony of squawks and screeches was deafening overhead, and we soon realized that we had about 10 big, adorable, green parrots in our tree. The other day we heard the familiar “squaaaawk!” again, and said to each other, “they’re back!”

 

They are known around these parts as the White Rock Parrots, first spotted nesting out at our beloved White Rock Lake. They have come to our neighborhood to feast on my neighbor’s pear tree two doors down, and then they fly back over to roost in our giant live oak.

 

Trouble is, they are almost impossible to photograph. They’re green, the trees are green, and even the pears are green.

 

See?

 

Don’t see it? Let’s try again.

Still don’t see it? Now you see what I mean!

 

Luckily, Steve Baldwin from Brooklynparrots.com kindly loaned me the following photos. These “green beasties,” as he affectionately calls them, are prolific in Brooklyn. His website is both informative and entertaining. You’ll find lots of parrot interest stories, from the release of parrot stamps to the rescue of a choking child by Willie, the Hero Quaker Parrot. The site also has some really amusing original parrot stories, written by Steve himself.

 

 

There’s even a parrot Christmas story on the Brooklyn Parrots site. And yes, these parrots really are playing in the snow.

 

 

These guys have been keeping us in stitches with their hilarious antics. The squawking alone gets us all laughing. Combined with amusing acrobatics and precision dive-bomb flying, they are endlessly entertaining. A couple of them buzzed over me in the backyard the other day, and I could have reached up and touched them!

 

 

These somersaulting sweeties originally came from South America, and are really hardy little critters.  It is believed that they now number 35,000 in the US.

 

 

I have learned that they mate for life, and have seen firsthand the cuddling and preening that takes place between the birdie partners. It’s pretty cute to see them …

 

 

My favorite parrot moment came when I was out front watering one day. I looked over, and saw two luvvie-duvvies walking down the sidewalk, just like they were courting … where is my camera when I need it?

 

 

And just yesterday, two were in my front yard feeding each other pieces of St. Augustine grass.

 

 

One thing I was able to photograph is this vintage embroidered tea towel that I bought in Canton a few months back. Apparently, folks have been admiring Monk Parrots for a long time now, because this towel is old!

 

 

Gotta go now, it’s time to look for parrots! Please stop by and see Steve at his wonderful Brooklyn Parrots website. You might even want to buy a parrot t-shirt…

 

Edit: I'm joining Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for her wonderful Outdoor Wednesday!  Click on the link to see the wonderful outdoor posts today ...  Squaaawk!

Comments

[Stacey]

Born and raised in Dallas and I never remember seeing those. Once when I was pretty young, I remember a parrot flying up in our yard. My mom thought it was somebody's pet that was lose. Maybe it wasn't! I will have to send her your link. I just love birds!

[Glenda/MidSouth]

Don't think I have ever seen any wild ones here. They are pretty. Thanks for sharing.

[Lori E]

What an odd looking bird while in flight. Like a torpedo with wings. Very interesting. Your tea towel is precious.

[Elaine]

Gorgeous parrots! I know how it is to try to get photographs of them though.....same thing happend to me when I tried to get shots of a pair in our neighbor's tree. They just blend in! Oh and I love the tea towel. What a find. :)

[Sherry]

Cute post. I had no idea that of all the things that Brooklyn might have had was parrots. You learn something new every day. This is absolutely beautiful. In your own yard no doubt. I have seen a few wild parrots out here in Phoenix, but just didn't know that they lived in Brooklyn too. Great post. Thanks so much for sharing. Country hugs, Sherry

[Ashley]

oh my goodness, LOVE that parrot embroidery, so cute!! When I lived in Miami, these parrots were all over the place, they flew in huge flocks. I'm a big time birder and I love seeing bird photos. Thanks!

[Regina]

Lovely shots and awesome!
Happy outdoor.

[Joyce]

Awesome photos of parrots. Nice job. ta ta for now.
Joyce M

[Mary@Framedandtagged]

How interesting! I didn't know we had parrots in the states...are you in Texas?
I would love to have a flock come pay us a visit. Really a neat post! Thanks!!

Happy OW!!

[Mary]

Fascinating information in your post. I loved the photos of the parrots and -yes -I was able to see the one in your tree after my grandson found it for me.

[Cindy]

Cool! We knew that they were in San Marcos (Hubs went to school there) but had no idea that they were this close as well. Thanks for a fun post! :D

-c
yapping cat

[Megan]

I agree. From reading your blog I think we're a lot alike...Wish those parrots would come visit me...that’s so cool. Also love the embroidered tea towel...My great grandmother would create things very similar…sweet memories! Thanks so much for sharing...I’ll be back...In my head I said that like Arnold Schwarzenegger...Much peace to you. Megan aka BertsCannery

[Process Analysis,Brisbane]

wow... wat a shot...! i just got it.. thank youuuuuuuu so much...

[Sandra@beneaththisroof.com]

I had no idea there were parrots anywhere in the U.S.!! How beautiful they are, I wish we had them here.