Parrot-Like Creatures Invading New York City Subway System (Part 2)

We've written before about New York's flocks of wild parrots invading the city's subway system, and this latest photograph, from an informative subway-oriented site called subchat.com, provides new proof of the parrots' latest incursions. This photo, posted by a subchat member known as "G1Ravage," was taken at the Queensborough Plaza station in Queens, NY. It's not clear to me whether the Quaker Parrot perched on the rail is a wild bird or an escapee (look closely at the photo -- is that a leg band on the parrot's right foot?).

(Note: 8/26: It appears that the parrot in this photo is actually a Peach-Faced Love Bird, not a Quaker. What a Love Bird would be doing in the subway system is beyond me; I suppose he just got away and is hoping to be reunited with his owner).

Clarification and Apology

Several years ago, a major controversy developed concerning the monk parakeets of Connecticut, in which animal lovers faced off against the United Illuminating company.

I wrote extensively about this controversy back in 2005, and while I feel good about the fact that the killings of the wild Quaker Parrots were ultimately halted, and that UI now uses non-lethal means to control them, I made a hasty error which, in the interest of fairness, should be corrected. The error concerns my use of the term "final solution" in reference to statements made by UI's spokesman, Al Carbone.

Upon recent investigation, it is clear that neither Al Carbone nor anyone else at UI used this term at any time; the term used was "solution," and the term "final" was appended by a commenter on a bulletin board discussing the issue, whom I mistakenly quoted in several articles on this site, which I have now corrected.

Still, I do think an apology to Al Carbone and UI is appropriate and necessary at this time. While it is natural that passions might flare during a controversy of this nature, it is important that words be used accurately lest they imply things which should never be implied about honorable people who happen to be on the other side of any given issue.

More Musicians Arrested in Central Park Conservancy-Backed Anti-Music Crackdown

Looks like it's open season on musicians performing in Central Park. On Sunday, one was hauled off in handcuffs to a cell. As you likely know, the group I sing with has been hassled as well by undercover police. We're musicians, not criminals!

Please help defend free speech by signing our online petition: the right to free expression is sacred. Many have died for theis right, and we need to all stand up for it or it will be taken away forever!

We also have a Facebook cause set up; please join it if you're on Facebook.

Thirteen Special: The City Concealed: North Brother Island Bird Sanctuary

Interesting Web-only video from PBS/Channel 13 highlighting North Brother Island, an abandoned island in New York City's East River formerly used as a hospital whose famous patients include Typhoid Mary. Today, it's a protected heron habitat regulary monitored by the Audubon Society. Check it out at http://watch.thirteen.org/video/video/1174206896

Please Help Bring John Lennon's Music Back to Strawberry Fields!

Last week, I told you about the anti-music crackdown in Central Park that's banished music from Strawberry Fields. The good news is that YOU CAN HELP bring back John Lennon's music by signing an online petition. The goal is to get 5,000 signatures that we can send to the Mayor, the Central Park Conservancy, and the NYC Dep't of Parks and Recreation.

Thank you!
Steve Baldwin