Tropical monk parakeets find paradise along Leopard Street
06.06.11
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Despite controversy and threats of eradication, these tough little escapees from South America have adapted to life in the United States. Often they live atop light poles, communication towers and church steeples in carefully constructed communal nests. The monk parakeet, also known as the Quaker parrot, is here to stay.
"Our residents seem to prefer the palm trees," said Leah Pummill, president of the Audubon Outdoor Club of Corpus Christi.
Foraging among the achromatic tones of local doves, sparrows and grackles, flashes of bright green, blue and a hint of yellow accompanied by loud squawks indicate their presence. However, apart from the birding community, many people do not know that for more than 20 years Corpus Christi has had a wild population of tropical birds less than two miles from the refineries.
"It's one of those things that is a well-kept secret," Pummill said.
Every morning, Kanti Bhakta, owner of Gulf Way Motel on Leopard Street, feeds a large group of monk parakeets that nest in a palm tree near the office.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller Times