Wild Parrots on the Hudson: a photo essay

Note 12/08/06: For photos of the Edgewater parrots I've taken since this article was published, please see:

The Big Flock
Wild Parrots in New Jersey: Some Recent Photos
Wild Parrots Invading New Jersey Beaches

Your BrooklynParrots.com webmaster enjoyed a splendid afternoon this past Sunday in New Jersey with Allison and Marc of EdgewaterParrots.com.

The weather was beautiful, the parrots were out in full force, and the cameras were clicking. Here are some still shots for your enjoyment (just click on any photo to enlarge it), Marc also took some videos which will likely appear online soon.


A sleek feral monk in Edgewater's "Parrot Park."


Monk parrots are amazing fliers because of the special design of their flight feathers, which lets them can take off almost vertically, hover like helicopters, and zoom like starlings!


A well-fed Jersey Rock Dove (otherwise known as a pigeon) doesn't mind sharing a meal with the wild parrots.


A well-populated, busy nest that PSE&G may likely tear down in the near future.


Edgewater is For Lovers!


Edgewater's "Big W" tree contains the biggest monk parrot condo in town.


An industrious male monk parrot brings a fresh green twig to the nest (which seldom fails to impress the ladies!).


Just Molly and Me in "My Green Heaven."


One pair of monk parrots looks very cozy in their nest, whereas another appears to be performing "lookout" duty.


I'm green and I'm proud!


Taking good care of one's feathers is a basic task of parrot-hood.


For parrots, one's beak is an indispensable "third hand" allowing amazing feats of dexterity.


A monk parrot about to leap into flight.


An industrious New Jersey contractor carefully positions a fresh twig.


Time out for a little light feather maintenance.


This old bird knows who's boss!