Brooklyn Parrots Cheer Proposed New Jersey Reforms

The wild parrots that live in Brooklyn loudly cheered today's announced introduction of legislation that will basically decriminalize their New Jersey cousins. If approved, it would remove the parrots from a state list of potentially dangerous species.

The bill, which is now before the Assembly's Agriculture and Resources Committee, will not be considered until the fall because the legislature is moving to its summer recess.

The legislation, also sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Gordon, states, "This bill would provide that the Monk Parakeet (aka Quaker Parrot) shall not be considered or listed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), or any other state agency, as a potentially dangerous species". The bill would also provide that any wild Monk/Quaker, including any nest or egg thereof, must be protected by the DEP, any other state agency, and any local government entity in the same manner, and to the same extent as any nongame species of bird indigenous to the state.

Thanks to Alison Evans-Fragale, of EdgewaterParrots.com, the Jersey Parrots' defender and dauntless advocate, for sending word about this positive development. Alison, along with Edgewater's Mayor, Nancy Merse, the six Council members, Maureen Holtje, David Jordan, Neda Rose, Lois Fein, James Moriarty, and Valory Bardinas, all have done a very good thing, and the wild parrots of Brooklyn salute you!