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RE: Monk nest



I strongly disagree with the destruction of the monk parakeet nests. They 
have been a species found in Connecticut since the late 1950's and their 
numbers have stayed at a low, stable level of around 200 birds. The birds 
congregate noisily around their nests and would be easily removed should they 
become a problem.

Many birders flock to the shoreline where they are found to observe the birds 
and to add them to their year lists. For the most part they provided pleasure 
to both birders and homeowners who provided the birds with substantial 
amounts of sunflower seed to keep them going through the winter.

About 7 years ago a storm destroyed the primary nesting tree and scattered 
chicks and wounded adults onto the ground. Wildlife rehabilitators responded 
and were able to save many of the birds. Unfortunately, they were not kept 
under natural conditions and few, if any, retained their fear of humans and 
could be released. This storm scattered the flock and subsequent nests have 
started sprouting throughout the lower part of the state. It will be 
interesting to see how this affects the population.

Ed Hiestand
Rodanthe, NC