Hi Everyone,

Between meetings yesterday, I made my second stop to check out the nest-building MONK PARAKEETs in Laurel. I met John Corcoran for the first time there, and the birds were very cooperative. Regardless of a species' countability, I think there's real value to our thoroughly documenting them and monitoring their success. Not all non-natives are created equally, and like Frank Boyle, I confess I don't mind if these guys catch a foothold. They're cool.

Here are some photos of one of the three birds, as well as of the nest:

http://www.billhubick.com/photos/birds/monk_parakeet.php

Thanks to Marcy and Jay for getting the word out on these so we could enjoy them and help with keeping tabs on them. 

For eBirders out there wondering what to do about reporting the parakeets, the official word from Marshall/eBird is to report them normally. The ability to not count something on one's eBird lists is expected in the near future. For those curious, while anyone can count anything they'd like, these are not on the state list as established and will not be counted by most listers.

I think this is definitely worth a stop, especially when taken in the broader context of this species' interesting and uncertain status in the region.

Regards,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com