California Dreaming

Over the past weekend, I felt a strong urge to go to California.  So we got into our car and drove.  I had mapped out this trip a couple months in advance.  The purpose?  To find the wild and feral populations of exotic birds that have spread throughout the Southern California region.  While we were there, we would also study the rare California Gnatcatchers that lived in the preserve by our nearby hotel. 

Before I begin with this incredible bird list, I'd like to clarify a birding rule of mine.  In the United States, we have a very important organization known as the ABA or the American Birding Association.  While I do not always follow their rules, I do understand them.  They are the organization that tells birders which birds "count" and which ones "don't".  Over the years, invasive non-native species(to the US) like the House Sparrow, Monk Parakeet, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, Eurasion collared dove, Muscovy Duck, Rosy-faced Lovebird and many others have been added onto the lists and now "count" for birders. But ONLY if you go to the areas where they "count".  For example, you can only count a Rosy-faced Lovebird in Maricopa County, Arizona.   There are strict birders who only bird according to the ABA list.  Anything off that list is not worthy of their effort nor time.  And while that's certainly one way of looking at the birding world, it isn't necessarily mine. 

My criteria for "counting" a bird is a bit different. If the bird is not an escapee and has proven to breed and thrive in numbers, I will count it. Surprisingly, all of the birds featured today are countable in several areas around the US while others may join the list soon.  As a side note, ABA allows for the Spotted Dove to still be counted around the Los Angeles area while it appears that much of their population has almost disappeared!  I found one recent report around the LA area.  So what happens when these feral birds have a fallout?  Do they also fall off the ABA list? 

Red-lored Parrot

Anyhow, let's get started. I was absolutely excited to find wild parrots flying free around the Orange County and the San Diego area.  

Let's begin with the Lilac-crowned Parrot below.

Lilac-crowned Parrot

This was a parrot at the top of my list.  It's disappearing from the wild in its native home of Mexico due to poaching and habitat loss.  Surprisingly, this bird has been around for quite some time in Southern California where it has sustained a slowly growing population.  The flocks are large and loud! Often they will be mixed in with their closely related cousins, the Red-crowned Parrots. Oh yes....another one of those almost cryptic species!

Red-crowned Parrot

The Red-crowned Parrot is now the only ABA countable parrot in California. It can also be counted in Texas. Their numbers have grown substantially over the past years in California, Texas and Florida.  Again this parrot is also from the Mexican region where it is also listed as endangered. However this parrot is not doing well. Its numbers have severely decreased in many parts along the Atlantic slope of Mexico. Will these parrots eventually only survive in the US?  Only time and conservation efforts will tell. 

Northern Red Bishop

Let's head over to Africa.  One bird that is being considered as an addition to the ABA list is the Northern Red Bishop.  In the Orange County area, these finch-like birds are common around parks and stream areas.  They are actually considered weavers and prefer grassy areas near water sources.  There are now feral populations in Southern California, Texas, Puerto Rico and several other Caribbean islands.  This is a stunner for sure!

Scaly-breasted Munia

Now this bird was JUST added to the ABA list.  This spice finch(formerly known as the Nutmeg Mannikin) now goes by the name Scaly-breasted munia.  Often they are heard quickly flying over your head but on a very special day, we noticed sparkles of raspberry purple coming from the reeds along an estuary.  When I got the binos on the bird, I was able to count 4 of them!  This is a stunning bird from India and Sri Lanka.  Its numbers have taken off and now these birds can commonly be seen at almost any locale you visit!

Egyptian Goose

Two birds considered for the ABA list were a bit surprising for me.  In Florida, the Egyptian Goose can be counted.  In California, more research needs to be done on this bird but they seem to be expanding their range.  Soon this bird may be "countable" on that precious ABA list.  We were lucky to spot two that flew into the woods and ponds we were scouting.  

Indian Peafowl....for now

Now this bird I've always wondered about.  I saw reports of these birds known as Indian Peafowl.  What in the world were they?!!  Turns out that the Indian Peafowl also goes by the general public name of Peacock! Except that Peacock refers to the male of the Peafowl!   Yes, these birds may also be added soon to the ABA list in California as they are breeding and expanding their range in wild areas.  However, the Indian title may be dropped and Common added instead.  

Pin-tailed whydah

Finally,  I had to end on one of my favorites.....the Pin-tailed whydah.  If I didn't have my ears, I wouldn't have been able to locate these tiny birds.  In fact,  they acted like little mice crawling through the grass.  This is a bird from Africa but now has established itself in places like Southern California and Puerto Rico.  During breeding season, the male develops a long tail that will make your jaw drop.  A field mark to help ID these little birds in their non-breeding plumage is that red bill. 

Birds are amazing creatures and I hope you enjoyed this inner city world travel.  Southern California is a strange place to bird.  It's saturated with buildings and people but if you look hard in between the cracks, you'll discover some hidden gems. 

I'll have more next week for you all on the native Californian species that we observed around Orange County and San Diego.  Until next time......

For more about other amazing birds from around the world, check out Wild Bird Wednesday!

The Island of Misfits

Checking out the new visitors and looking for some love and attention

A brochure with the name Oasis Sanctuary sat on my desk for months under piles of paperwork in the "must check out" basket.  So when we had our first 110 degree day and birding was out of the question, we went to explore the much cooler Oasis Sanctuary near Benson, AZ. 

This Blue-and-yellow Macaw, taken from the wild, has the right idea as he swings near the misters on this very hot day

Today's topic is a sensitive one for bird owners and birders.  I had put up my photo essay on Facebook and had all kinds of responses. Obviously, it's different for each person and I would encourage you to add your opinions to the comments section below. This is just my opinion backed up by years of living with parrots and caring for them.  It is one of the contributing factors today as to why I love birding so much. Today my parents still live with two Macaws and an African Grey. This post was inspired after our trip to the sanctuary.  After seeing all the abandoned birds, watching several TV specials, reading reports, living the breeding captive parrot experience, and visiting with border patrol agents and other sanctuaries, I am ready to share my commentary on this uncomfortable topic.  

A Cockatiel decides to pick out my grey hairs and speed up that ever expanding bald spot

For several years, I raised a Peach-faced Lovebird(aka known as the Rosy-faced Lovebird in the wild) on my own.  I loved that bird very much but felt guilty for placing the bird in a cage.  So I'd often let the bird fly around the house with me.  While I took my shower, she would stand on the edge and clean up in the mist.  There came a point when I realized I couldn't bring the bird with me everywhere I went.  I traveled often and for long periods of time. So it broke my heart when I had to give Quetzali back to my mother.  I learned quickly that having parrots or dogs as pets were out of the question. It was unfair of me to have a pet and not be able to spend enough time with them. 

An Amazon parrot is very intelligent and has the ability to mimic human voice

And it wasn't just me.  My mother began to experience some of this as well.  People began to go to my mother for help with their parrots.  She would try to find a home for the birds, but sometimes it was impossible.  The bird was "too mean"(because they imprint on their original owners....especially when they are younger), "too loud", "too destructive" or just "too much work". At least these were some of the excuses we heard when owners gave their parrot away. Some had begun picking their feathers.....a sign of stress.  My mom would try and work with the birds, but sometimes it didn't help.  Then my Dad began to see an influx of birds in our basement. Both of my parents have big hearts, but there was a limit.  And so the parrot years would come to an end. My mother couldn't help all the stray parrots.  It had become a problem. There were too many bird owners out there who hadn't considered the long term commitments of their "demanding" parrots.  

My first documentation of Scarlet Macaws in the wild.  Note how they fly in pairs.  When one dies, the other will fly alone but stay with the flock.  Taken in Costa Rica

Parrots, of course, are not demanding, they are bonded to the owner as they would with their own partner in the wild.  And for awhile, it's wonderful until life happens......a child is born, a spouse comes into the picture, a job takes one elsewhere, etc.  It can be a tricky thing to balance for many people. 

Budgerigar

Today, I like to stop at various sanctuaries while visiting other countries for several reasons.  One, I like to get the first hand reports/stories about why the animals/birds are there.  Second, I don't mind giving a donation if it will help the organization out. And finally, it also allows me to study the wildlife up close.  Who doesn't want to get close to a Spider Monkey or a Black Lory? 

Lesser Cockatoo

There is something very powerful and real about connecting with our wildlife.  I am much more aware of the issues going on with illegal poaching, etc.  I can read about it in a newspaper safely from my home or I can actually see the issues happening right in front of my face. In Southern Arizona along the US/Mexican border, birds, like parrots or eagles, are still smuggled across illegally. Often we tell US agents at the border about our birding treks in Sonora, Mexico.(because they generally ask us what we were doing down there) Then they share with us the stories about birds found on people crossing over to the US. An agent told us a story about a hawk hidden inside of a cardboard tube. They had to call in a local wildlife agency to deal with this very angry bird.  By observing all this up close and personal, I feel something. 

Back at Oasis, it was fun to note that there were 4 parrots/parakeets I've seen in the wild.  They were the Monk Parakeets, the Scarlet Macaws, the Nanday Parakeets. and our little Rosy-faced Lovebirds up in Phoenix.  There were so many other birds that I needed to study.  Many of them are found in Australia and Africa. 

A younger me before bed with my love bird Quetzali

The Oasis Sanctuary is home to 700+ parrots/parakeets and other birds. Every year over 1000 birds are turned away from the sanctuary because there isn't enough room.  Many birds are placed on waiting lists. 

Taken in 2011 in Boquete, Panama at a sanctuary.  I love all critters....especially the ones with a little attitude:)

Staff work around the clock making sure these birds are healthy, fed well, and happy.  It was really wonderful to know that the volunteers knew all the names of the various parrots/parakeets. 

Azul and my mother pose for a Christmas card many years ago.  And many years later, Azul is a cover model for pet magazines.  He resides with my parents in Wisconsin.  

When the organization first began back in the nineties, they became a safe place for parrots and parakeets. Before Oasis, many birds faced euthanasia due to the loss of a caregiver, physiological impairment, handicap, behavioral unsuitability, old age, abuse or lack of home placement options. Sadly, some of this still occurs today. The Oasis Sanctuary does not breed, adopt out, sell or trade birds. Once a bird enters the doors, they are guaranteed a lifetime of care and compassion.  It was the first Sanctuary in the United States, completely dedicated to the care of captive birds, to be accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. 

What's going on over there?

Feral parrot populations have grown in the United States due to escaped birds or an irresponsible owner who doesn't want their bird anymore. And there are many accidental escapes:) The escaped bird incidents are always difficult.  Birds love to fly and when a bird soars high above, it sometimes keeps going and going. I had it happen to me once.  A kid opened a sliding door and out flew my bird from the cage.  Luckily, both of us were able to find our buddy in the neighborhood the next day.  Later on, I would discover that my Lovebird and her peers were establishing themselves up in Phoenix by the thousands.  Today these non-native beauties can be seen in many Phoenix parks and bird feeders. 

Several Monk parrots share a couple secrets with me

I do love chilling out with birds and being close to them.  But after many years with parrots, it is my personal opinion that birds should remain free of cages and be allowed to roam the great big sky.  I love being surrounded by birds because they make me happy.  

I meet Ophelia, a Black Lory, and we fall in love.  She gives the best kisses.

My answer to people who love birds and want them close?  Bird feeders.  In the morning, I wake up and fill the feeders. Obviously, it's a bit different than having a bird right on your shoulder, but I feel much happier watching them play outside than inside a cage.  Again this is just my personal opinion. 

A Cactus Wren recently seen at my feeders-a new one for my yard list

One last thing to consider if you live with several feathered friends.  People have told me over and over to put your birds in a living will. I'm often with birders who have parrots/finches/canaries in their homes.  In several instances, I've spoken with zoo and refuge officials.  Their response is to have a plan for your friends just in case something does happen to you. 

So what's the answer to this issue?  I don't know because it's very complicated. But you can educate yourself before adopting a parrot. For a visit to the Oasis, give them a ring at 520-212-4737.  A 10 dollar donation is suggested.  So what say you?  Do you own a parrot?  Or should parrots be left alone in the wild? Here is a link with some thoughts by Jane Goodall. 

Several wild parrots are featured on Wild Bird Wednesday!  A great place to see these birds in their natural habitat.  More epic outings to come....