The Monk Parakeet is an introduced species to New Jersey.  It seems like they have been around for quite a few years.  The question is how long do they have to be here before they can be counted as a state bird.  ABA rules state that if an introduced species is well established and reproducing on their own for ten years then it may be counted.  The catch is the Review Committee must have ample documentation to verify this.  This year the committee starting asking for information pertaining to the Monk Parakeet.

I did a little research on my own and found that the Monk Parakeet is on the state list of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Florida.  I did a Google search on the WWW and to my surprise I found many hits.  The one that caught my attention was the Brooklyn College Monk Parakeet Project . It states that in 1968 the Monk Parakeets first escaped while in transit from the John F Kennedy Airport.  It has made a permanent home in New York ever since. 

On May 24, 2002 I went to a small Veterans Park in Edgewater, NJ.  I was informed by Brian Moscatello that there was a thriving Monk Parakeet colony there.  More that likely these birds migrated over from New York.  Standing on the Monument corner of the park one has a clear view of the New York skyline across the Hudson River.  When I left my car I first noticed how small the park was and heard cawing of the Parakeets in the background.  I looked around to see the birds but was unable to.  The full green trees where hiding the green birds.  After a couple minutes of looking up and changing my viewing angle I finally noticed a nest in a Sycamore tree.  To my surprise there where at least seven nests in one tree.  Looking around some more there was at least a dozen nests that can be viewed from the park perimeter.  What surprised me was how well this nesting colony fit right in this small park.  With the only exception being 2 utility poles supporting nests.  I could not get over how clean the area was.  There was no odor, nesting debris nor whitewash anywhere in the park.  Even an elderly couple sitting on a bench in the shade paid the birds no mind.  I was impressed.  Having only a limited amount of time, I stayed only long enough to take some representative shots of the birds that would show them firmly entrenched in the area.

In an email to me, Brian Moscatello wrote "Yes, the colony has been in this location for about seven years, and in Edgewater for (I'm still trying to determine exactly) probably ten or more. In 2000, there were 7 - 9 nests, all in the sycamore; last year they increased across the street (uphill, Rt.5) and have built in at least two trees. They added all the nests on the utility poles and in a Norway Maple this year; also, Janet found another nest more than a mile north on River Road, and another on the right hand or West side of River Road about a half-mile to the south. The Edgewater population likely exceeds 60 birds." 

All photos where taken in Edgewater by Chip Krilowicz

Additional pictures