It seems that a £260k programme to eradicate the South American Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) frhttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/24/monk-parakeets-parrots-ukom SE England has been largely successful (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/24/monk-parakeets-parrots-uk). The bird is apparently down to its last 50 feral members. The problem of this particular bird is that it apparently builds messy communal nests, often on electrical installations which can produce 'shorts' especially when they become water-logged. About 30% of the birds have been killed and many eggs destroyed but one wonders whether any of the 're-homed' individuals will again escape (this is presumably how the birds came to be in London in the first place). The fate of the equally alien Ring-necked parakeet seems less urgent as it isn't into communal nesting.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 25 September 2014
An Ex-Parrot?
It seems that a £260k programme to eradicate the South American Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) frhttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/24/monk-parakeets-parrots-ukom SE England has been largely successful (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/24/monk-parakeets-parrots-uk). The bird is apparently down to its last 50 feral members. The problem of this particular bird is that it apparently builds messy communal nests, often on electrical installations which can produce 'shorts' especially when they become water-logged. About 30% of the birds have been killed and many eggs destroyed but one wonders whether any of the 're-homed' individuals will again escape (this is presumably how the birds came to be in London in the first place). The fate of the equally alien Ring-necked parakeet seems less urgent as it isn't into communal nesting.
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