Update on Endangered Wild Quaker Parrots of Yacolt, Washington

A quick update from Yacolt, Washington. My correspondent tells me that the situation there remains tense. Yacolt City officials refuse to allow artificial nest platforms for the homeless parrots to be constructed: they want the parrots removed, and will kill any remaining there past a date certain.

Neither the power company (Clark County Public Utilities, AKA "PUD") nor the town will tolerate the presence of wild parrots in Yacolt, so the only hope for those who want to save them is to capture them and relocate them to a town willing to accept them.

There will be a gathering of bird groups and bird rescuers in Yacolt this weekend to discuss the stand-off. In the meantime, a grass-roots group, the Yacolt Quaker Parrot Preservation Association, has been formed to fight the wild parrot eradication effort. A Rapid Response Team from the Quaker Parakeet Society has been dispatched to inspect the situation on the ground and in the air.

There are a lot of raw emotions in Yacolt tonight. My correspondent writes: "I was very heart broken listening to the people. They love those parrots so much and they are so angry that the city didn't informed them on what their plans were. I had an old lady cry in my arms. She doesn't want these birds to leave or die. They are all she has in life right now."

My hope is that officials in the City of Yacolt change their mind, but I know that a lot of people don't really have much feeling for the natural world, and some people just don't like animals. Maybe Yacolt is just one of those places.

What's clear is that if the majority of people of Yacolt and their elected leadership don't want wild parrots flying free in their city, the parrots won't be around for much longer. It's too bad, because the presence of these wonderful birds was already making Yacolt a popular stop-over for parrot-watchers. As one resident declared, "the parrots put Yacolt on the map."

There will certainly be more news to report soon. Right now, all I can say is that I'm very glad that our civic leaders in Brooklyn, including Borough President Marty Markowitz, have a different viewpoint, and recognize that having wild parrots around is a wonderful thing.

For more on the Endangered Wild Quaker Parrots of Yacolt, Washington, see:

• BREAKING NEWS: Wild Parrot Killings Halted in Washington State
• RED ALERT: Wild Parrots in Washington State Are Being Killed by U.S.D.A., Clark County Public Utilities
• Wild Monk Parrots Popping Up in Yacolt, WA

BREAKING NEWS: Wild Parrot Killings Halted in Washington State

I'm pleased to report that Clark Public Utilities and the U.S.D.A. have called off their plan to kill the remaining wild parrots in Yacolt, Washington. My correspondents tell me that this decision was taken only because of overwhelming public opposition. The Web site of local TV station KGW also reports the fact that they have been spared.

Thanks to all of you who protested against this cruel action: this is great news but many issues remain, including how these parrots, now homeless, can possibly survive the winter. My hope is that the good citizens of Yacolt will construct artificial nest platforms and put out plenty of food so that the survivors have a shot. But at least we can all breathe a bit easier tonight: the killing has stopped and reason (always a scarce thing) has somehow prevailed.

Again, thanks for all your support, Steve Baldwin, Webmaster, BrooklynParrots.com

Update on Washington State Wild Parrot Killings

Several new developments have occurred in the past 24 hours since I posted the original story about the Washington State Quaker Parrot killings. At least one exotic bird rescue group has approached Clark Public Utilities offering to rescue the birds. But an official known as "Lena" rebuffed the offer. My correspondent adds that "the PUD (Clark Public Utilities) does know all these other ways (of humanely controlling the parrots)" but for some unknown reason went ahead anyway.

Please call "Lena" at Clark Public Utilities and ask her to reconsider her decision. If you make the call, be polite and civil but also rational and firm. The number is 360-992-3000. I am told that the utility company is holding a meeting today to decide on a future course of action. Let's hope they opt to take the humane course.

Update 11/28: The website of The Columbian, a local newspaper in Clark County, has a poignant story (with a short video) on the plight of the Yacolt wild parrots.

RED ALERT: Wild Parrots in Washington State Are Being Killed by U.S.D.A., Clark County Public Utilities

I received a disturbing report today from a resident of Washington State. According to her e-mail, Clark Public Utilities has announced that it will be killing the 50 or so wild Quaker Parrots that have lived in Yacolt, Washington, for some time.

I contacted Clark Public Utilities and have not heard back from them. In the meantime, this news story has appeared: 3 of the 50 wild parrots in Yacolt have already been killed.

You may register your comments with Clark Public Utilities by clicking on this e-mail link, which will connect you to their general mailbox. You can also call Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-3000. (Note: Please be civil if you call Clark Public Utilities. In my view, these people are misguided but should not be abused verbally. Please convey your message calmly, even though this is obviously an emotional subject.) Also, please forward this item to any anti-cruelty animal groups you think might be effective in terms of stopping these killings.

Update: 11/28: New story on this situation. The U.S.D.A. is the party actually doing the killing (although this issue has nothing to do with agriculture). Please call the regional office of the U.S.D.A. to protest at (360) 883-1987 (phone) and (360) 885-2284 fax

Struggle To Save Connecticut Wild Parrots Continues

The monk parrot is often called "the world's most persecuted parrot," and a lot of good people on the East Coast are trying to end the persecution, including Donna Dwyer, who has done much to stop their slaughter by energy companies in Connecticut. I received this note from Donna today; it is disappointing news but just means that those who want to see a free-range parrot flying again in North American skies must work harder in the future. It also shows that the Alternative Nest Platforms built to lure the parrots from the utility poles are working:

UPDATE June 2006:

File No. 404, (Substitute House Bill No. 5804) did not make it to be called for a vote before the deadline closing of this past legislative session. Our efforts must begin again in the next legislative session. We will again be seeking passage of this legislation. We will need your support just as much and probably more in the future.

In the meantime there are ways you can help. If you have quaker nests near your property and are willing to provide possible alternative shelter for these birds on your property, helping to keep them off the poles and out of the hands of the utility company that seeks to destroy them, PLEASE contact Donna at donna@ctquakers.com and let us know. We have several structures ready for use.

If you have nearby or aware of quaker nest locations please contact Donna with the information. UI has been removing some more nests. We want to stay on top of what is going on in this regard. Your help is crucial. PLEASE help keep these beautiful parrots flying free here in CT. Remember the country's only native parrot, The Carolina Parakeet, was once hunted and killed to the point of extinction.

If you are able to assist with construction and/or erection of alternative bird platforms please contact us. Help of any kind is much appreciated. Maybe you can physically help build or erect, maybe you have materials to donate, maybe a truck to transport or deliver, maybe you have ideas to contribute, whatever you have to offer is important to the effort please do not hesitate to contact with whatever assistance you can. No contribution is too small, it is only through the efforts of many concerned individuals that our goal to protect the quakers will be realized.

In closing, on a positive note, there are quakers in residence in the very first platform we put up on Christmas eve (in Lordship, CT). As well as the one on Ocean Ave, in West Haven, CT. See attached photo of the Lordship Platform.

Also, NJ Audubon has agreed to SUPPORT Senate Bill 1768. This will help in the goal of getting the quakers, in the neighboring state of NJ, off the dangerous species list there. Our thanks goes out to everyone supporting NJ's quakers also.

Donna
www.ctquakers.com

Bill to Protect Wild Parrots Advances in Connecticut

The feral parrots of Brooklyn rejoiced when they read an article in The Connecticut Post reporting that on March 21st, the CT State Legislature's Environment Committee approved, by unanimous vote, a bill protecting southwestern Connecticut's monk parakeet population from eradication.

This is terrific news: just a few months ago, United Illuminating's deadly and misguided wild parrot eradication campaign made headlines around the world. With a little luck, some skillful politicking, and a lot of hard work, Connecticut's wild parrots may be spared this kind of cruelty in the future.

Wild Connecticut Parrots Take Up Defensive Positions in "Monk Bunkers"

A wild monk parrot in Connecticut peers out of his "monk bunker," scanning the distant horizon for any sign of United Illuminating's work crews. Photo credit: Marc Johnson

For the moment, United Illuminating has abandoned its parrot-eradication campaign in Connecticut, after being confronted by public protests and a lawsuit filed by local activists.

But Connecticut's wild parrots aren't taking any chances, and several groups of birds have already taken up defensive positions in artificial nesting platforms, otherwise known as "Monk Bunkers," designed by FosterParrots.com's Marc Johnson and constructed by local Connecticut citizens.


A view of "Monk Bunker Alley" in West Haven. Photo credit: Marc Johnson

The first "Monk Bunker" to actually attract displaced parrots was, appropriately enough, sited on Julie Cook's property. Julie heroically stood up to the killing crews last November, was hauled off in handcuffs, and was only released after a video tape of her arrest proved that she was never read her Miranda rights.


A Quaker construction crew at work on the upper part of a "Monk Bunker." Photo credit: Marc Johnson

The success of Johnson's "Monk Bunkers" in attracting displaced parrots from power lines promises to greatly enhance the prospects of free-range monk parrots in the U.S.A. It also belies the claim made by power companies such as Florida Power and Light and United Illuminating that lethal parrot control methods are justified because there is no way to humanely convince the birds to abandon their positions in electrical infrastructure.


A Connectitut Monk brings in a fresh twig to refortify the lookout position of a "Monk Bunker" in West Haven. Photo credit: Marc Johnson

Monk Bunkers will be marketed to the public via a soon-to-be launched Web site, monkbunkers.com, and via a national radio ad campaign. A new 30-second radio spot for the Monk Bunkers is now online.

Yankee Ingenuity Trumps Cruelty in Connecticut

Two surviving and formerly homeless Quaker parrots displaced by United Illuminating's wild parrot eradication campaign found safe haven in Julie Cook's artificial nest on January 18th, 2005. Photo by Joanne Smith.

During the darkest moments of the Connecticut Quaker Parrot Crisis of 2005, Julie Cook's example gave pro wild parrot activists strength. When United Illuminating came for the parrots she knew and loved in West Haven, she refused to step aside. Instead, she actively blocked the "death squad", and was promptly handcuffed, fingerprinted, and locked up for the night. Only after it was discovered that she had not been read her Miranda rights was Julie freed.

Two months later, a lot has happened in Connecticut. United Illuminating, pressed by a lawsuit, has temporarily stopped killing the parrots. Citizens are building artificial nesting platforms designed by Marc Johnson (see photos below). And yesterday: wonder of wonders, a pair of the displaced parrots decided to take up residence right in the artificial nest that Julie built in her yard: the first birds to do so in West Haven.

This development isn't just a beautifully poetic event for Julie and the birds she likely saved from the gas chamber. The success of artificial nesting platforms in Connecticut is likely to inspire further development of artificial nesting platforms - not by expensive consulting firms, well-endowed universities, or profit-through-the-roof energy companies - but by private citizens who love the birds and want to help them.

Last Saturday, I attended one of these grass-roots parrot nest building workshops, held in Fairfield. I hope to use these photos to generate, with Marc Johnson's help, a "how to build a wild monk parrot nest" e-book that can be freely distributed on the Web. In the meantime, here are some photos of the process: more info and a materials list are available at friendsofanimals.org.


9-foot sections of chicken wire are folded over, stuffed with hay and laid with twigs. This encourages the monk parrots to investigate the structure and help themselves to building materials.


4-inch PVC pipe, bonded into a channel, supports the main nest subassembly. The "walls" that will eventually support an upper "roof" are screwed in from below using a screw gun.


A view of the completed nest subassembly.


Marc Johnson attaches chicken wire to the nearly completed nest subassembly. The chicken wire gives the wild Quaker Parrots a surface into which they can easily weave thorny twigs.


The nest subassembly is "rolled" across the 9-foot "chicken wire stuffed with twigs and-hay" assembly. Excess is clipped using wire cutters.


Twigs are used to create nest entrances characteristic of those engineered by Quaker Parrots.


Excess chicken wire is stapled to the wooden underside of the main nest subassembly.


Seven nest assemblies were completed last Saturday in one 4-hour work session. They were shipped to West Haven for installation on private property, where, it is hoped, parrots will want to move into them.



A wild monk parrot in Connecticut guarding his human-engineered "monk bunker" against hostile forces from the USDA and United Illuminating. Photo credit: Marc Johnson


An early 2006 view of "Monk Bunker Alley" in West Haven, Connecticut. Photo credit: Marc Johnson

Pro-Parrot Lawsuit Filed Against Connecticut Utility Company

I received this message via e-mail today. It directly relates to the Connecticut Quaker Parakeet Crisis of 2005. Needless to say, I support this effort, and am also supporting efforts to get the parrots off the poles via alternate nest structures built on private property.

Media Advisory: Friends of Animals Sues United Illuminating Over Parakeet Gassing

For Immediate Release
12 January 2006
ContactPriscilla Feral, President: feral@friendsofanimals.org
Operation Parakeet Hotline: 203.656.1522
Lee Hall, Legal Director: leehall@friendsofanimals.org

Darien, CT -- Friends of Animals, a leading voice for responsible policies for animals, is immediately serving a Complaint against the United Illuminating Co. on behalf of Connecticut’s monk parakeets.

Refugees of the exotic pet trade, monk parakeets have lived freely in Connecticut, mostly in fir trees and oaks, for 30 to 40 years. Dwight G. Smith, who chairs the biology department at Southern Connecticut State University, said the birds -- actually small parrots -- provide nests for sparrows, finches, and owls, as well as themselves.

But the United Illuminating Co. (UI), an electric utility for southern Connecticut’s New Haven and Bridgeport areas, claims the green birds are a nuisance and a hazard.

With the blessing of the Connecticut Audubon Society and the National Audubon Society, UI has set about killing the birds in a campaign to remove their thatched-stick shelters from utility poles.

Friends of Animals seeks long-term policy change

United Illuminating’s parrot extermination campaign was short-circuited in December, after the company assured the Court it would stop netting the birds and turning them over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has been asphyxiating them in carbon dioxide chambers.

“We came out of Court with news of a temporary halt in the roundups and gassings of parakeets,” said Friends of Animals president Priscilla Feral.

“But we need responsible, long-term policies,” Feral explained. “The UI Co. dimmed the lights of holiday cheer in Connecticut. We’re demanding brighter ideas for the future, and, from state policy-makers, less flighty conduct.”

While UI has failed to implement prudent methods of dissuading these birds from nesting upon utility poles, people in the community have risen to the occasion. A platform construction workshop will be held this Saturday (14 Jan.) to show how to make a viable alternative that can keep parrots off poles, yet living and flying free.

Derek V. Oatis, a Manchester lawyer representing Friends of Animals, said, “We’re asking for a judgment declaring that the law requires UI to implement routine maintenance and prevent nesting, and a permanent injunction against the capturing and killing of the monk parakeets.”

Added Priscilla Feral, “Maintaining the public trust requires a redirection of resources from the tormenting of the birds to an enlightened response, one that rejects killing or experimenting on the birds or holding them captive.”

Controversy over the extermination has reached newspapers nationwide, and as far as London, England. And a growing concern for the birds has come from Connecticut legislators, including U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Christopher Shays, and state Rep. Richard Roy.

Please Help Connecticut's Homeless Parrots

This December, pro-parrot citizens in Connecticut were able to get United Illuminating and the USDA to quit killing the wild parrots which live there. But UI continues to destroy their nests. These wild parrots' lives have been spared, but they're homeless and very cold: please, if you have a few dollars, donate to the alternate nest building program being run by Marc Johnson and hosted at friendsofanimals.org.

BREAKING NEWS: Connecticut Parakeet Killings Halted

I have just received word from Laurel Lundstrom, of friendsofanimals.org, that United Illuminating has agreed to stop -- at least temporarily -- killing wild parrots in Connecticut. Thanks to everyone who squawked so loudly that a powerful energy company had to back down! More on this story as it evolves - you can post comments at friendsofanimals.org.

Maybe there IS a Santa Claus!

Vigil for the Connecticut Parakeets: Friday, West Haven, CT: 7PM

I received this message today from Laurel Lundstrom, the Program Coordinator for FriendsofAnimals.org, who's been central to the effort to stop the cruel killings of wild parakeets in Connecticut:

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Vigil for the Parakeets - Tomorrow, West Haven -- 7 p.m. -- please RSVP

Why? Despite public outcry, United Illuminating continues to facilitate the gassing and killing of Connecticut's monk parakeets.

Where? We will meet in Chick's parking lot on East Street in West Haven and walk/drive over to First Avenue and the other neighborhoods where the birds have been killed.

When? Friday December 2, 7 p.m.

What? Bring Candles, signs and petitions

Also, if you haven't already done so, please sign our online petition!

---

In related news, BrooklynParrots.com learned today that at least one person was arrested for civil disobedience last night as the crews of Unitied Illuminating and the USDA worked after dark in Connecticut. We have access to video footage of this incident, which we will post online as soon as possible. More on this as this story moves.

Meeting Fails: UI Seeks "Final Solution" for Wild Parakeet Population in Connecticut

Despite a two-hour meeting between Connecticut State officials with United Illuminating, today the Connecticut utility company refused pleas from public officials to stop the mass killings of wild monk parakeets. This meeting was closed to the public at large and to pro-wildlife groups seeking to use established, non-lethal means to control the wild parakeets.

Already about 10 percent of Connecticut's wild parakeets have been killed by poison gas in what United Illuminating spokesman Al Carbone admits is a "final solution" to the problem of wild parrots living free in the State.

Connecticut state legislaters claim that without an executive order from Connecticut governor M. Jodi Rell ordering a cessation of the gassings, they can do nothing.

Please sign our online petition, which now has 1413 signatures.

Also, please contact the Connecticut Governer and urge her to intervene before the immoral killings of these intelligent creatures go any further:

Governor M. Jodi Rell
Governor.Rell@po.state.ct.us

Executive Office of the Governor
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Telephone:
Greater Hartford Area: 860-566-4840
Toll Free: 800-406-1527
TDD: 860-524-7397

Also, please free to click on the "Connecticut Cruelty" license plate image I created to view and print out a full-size version.

Connecticut Wild Parrot Crisis: A Ray of Hope?

I received this e-mail from Donna Dwyer today. Donna has been tirelessly working to stop the mass killing of wild quaker parakeets in Connecticut. Again, folks: please, if you correspond with any of the folks in this message, please be civil and level-headed. Here is Donna's message:

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There will be a meeting on Tuesday, Nov.29th involving a Connecticut legislator, DEP, United Illuminating and Audubon.

We must get out the word to these legislators in huge numbers that we want the KILLING to Stop! PLEASE Everyone CALL, the offices of your and other legislators in CT and tell them to STOP KILLING the QUAKERS!!!! We must let them know that the public is appalled. The meeting is Tuesday -- it has to be done ASAP. UI doesn't care it is a monopoly but legislators are ELECTED Let's bombard them with the demand that they stop this cruelty.

State Representative Richard Roy of Milford (860-240-8585, 800-842-8267) is working to try to help with the situation and will be at the meeting on Tuesday. Richard.Roy@cga.ct.gov

State Representative and Speaker of the House James Amann, also of Milford, will be at the meeting and helping from, what I understand (860-240-8500, 800-842-1902; Jim.Amann@cga.ct.gov

State Representative Paul Davis: he serves Milford, Orange, and West Haven. I do not know anything about his position on the issue (860-240-8585, 800-842-8267); Paul.Davis@cga.ct.gov

You can find your town Representative and State Senator here:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/maps/Townlist.asp

Rally to Save the CT Quakers

(I received this tonight. It is a grassroots effort to thwart the massacre of wild parrots being conducted this week in the State of Connecticut. Please attend if you can.)

Friends of Animals is having a rally tonight to try to save the quakers. PLEASE try to come. It is starting at 8pm in West Haven at the Adams & People’s Bank parking lot at the corner of Campbell Avenue & Captain Thomas Blvd. The media has been notified. I know it is far to go, but this is really important.

Directions from Hartford:

I-91 S toward NEW HAVEN / N.Y. CITY.
Merge onto GOVERNOR JOHN DAVIS LODGE TURNPIKE / I-95 S via the exit on the LEFT.
Take EXIT 44 toward DOWNTOWN WEST HAVEN.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto KIMBERLY AVE / CT-122. Continue to follow CT-122.
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto ELM ST.
Turn LEFT onto WAGNER PL / CT-162.
Stay STRAIGHT to go onto KELSEY AVE.
Turn LEFT onto CAPTAIN THOMAS BLVD.

Endangered CT Parakeets Need Lawyers!

I received this message tonight from Brenda Piper, a Quaker parrot activist. It is perhaps a ray of hope in
a horribly cruel situation in Connecticut:

The Connecticut Association For Aviculture is mobilizing as we speak. I am a firm believer that most government officials, elected or appointed, as well as business people will only listen to residents of their state. This is why it is very very important that any and all CT residents turn out in force via phone and email to stop the carnage. If anyone on this list is a lawyer or knows a lawyer practicing in CT that would be willing to help us get an injunction to halt the utility, please have them contact me immediately at pipersparrots@comcast.net.

Thank you.
Brenda Piper
President
Connecticut Association For Aviculture

Wild Parrot Nest Tests

A wild Quaker Parrot peers out of a nest built on an artificial platform in Boston.

The push to deploy artificial nest platforms for wild Quaker Parrots received new impetus over the weekend when an anonymous NJ resident agreed to house such platforms on his property. This development is important because utility companies such as Con Ed and PSE&G have long sought ways to lure the wild parrots away from their utility poles but neither they nor any research institutes have deployed any funds for such development or testing.


Plans for Marc Johnson's artificial nesting platforms.

Private volunteers, who work without pay or other support from officialdom, are filling this research and development gap. The platforms are cheap to make, and the only real cost is labor. The work is dangerous, and none of us have health insurance, so if we break our limbs while doing such work, our only recourse is "home surgery using hand tools." Still, we are willing to take the risk because we want to do our part for "the world's most persecuted parrot."

It is too early to say whether the planned installation will prove successful. The platforms have worked in the Boston area, but we may find it necessary to deploy several designs and fine-tune them to attract the parrots. This is an ongoing experiment and our findings will be published, in order that other pro-parrot groups can use them.