Hey, there! Log in / Register

Peters Park parakeet's provenance proves puzzling, passersby perplexed

Boston parakeet in the wild

John wonders whose parakeet went missing and wound up in Peters Park in the South End this afternoon. It did not appear to budgie when he approached with camera.

Neighborhoods: 
Topics: 


Ad:


Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

Had I known I would inspire so many puns... :)

Shortly after the photo he flew into the trees. Another photo here http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbum/9752759725/

up
Voting closed 0

The poor guy is going to die this winter if no one takes him inside.

up
Voting closed 0

It's very heartbreaking, but, speaking as a bird owner, there are ways to prevent that from happening:

A) Never, never open any windows or doors to the outside while the bird is out of its cage during its playtime.

B) Always keep the bird safely locked up in its cage when you're either out, working in your studio or kitchen, or even in the bath or shower.

C) Always be aware of the bird on your shoulders when you go out to do an errand.

D) Have the bird's flight feathers clipped periodically.

E) Never, ever take the bird outside. This and suggestion A are the real clinchers here. As a bird owner, I've heard/read far too many heartrending stories of people whose birds have flown away because they've taken them outside.

up
Voting closed 0

As a bird owner, I've heard/read far too many heartrending stories of people whose birds have flown away because they've taken them outside."

Maybe the bird's natural inclination is to fly away because it is not natural for a bird to be kept in a cage in a person's home?

up
Voting closed 0

Plenty of people own exotic birds that have been born here in captivity rather than being wild-caught. The US Government enacted a ban on the import of all wild-caught exotic birds here into the United States for the following reasons:

A) To preserve what is left of the stock of wild-caught birds that are in danger of extinction due to the ongoing destruction of the rainforests, while recognizing the popularity of exotic birds as pets.

B) The conditions under which wild-caught exotic birds were imported here into the United States are so totally inhumane that the majority of these wild-caught exotic birds didn't survive the ordeal.

C) Wild-caught exotic birds are much more likely to carry disease, plus the ones that did survive importation here into the United States were so traumatized by the inhumane conditions and by being manhandled that they were too high-strung to be trained to be good pets.

The pet store where I purchased my bird only carries exotic birds that were born, raised and handfed in captivity. I allow my pet Congo African Grey Parrot, Aziza 2.5 hours of out-of-cage/playtime every day. She and I have a wonderful rapport together.

Moreover, she has a blue band on one of her legs to prove that she was born here in the United States, in captivity.

Next; Anybody who owns any type of pet, whether it be a dog, a cat, or a bird or whatever, is obligated to take responsibility and to not put themselves in a situation where they stand to lose their pet(s).

up
Voting closed 0

Was that zoom or did you really got that close with the camera and took a picture instead of grabbing the bird? I really don't want the bird to die when winter comes along...

up
Voting closed 0

camera phone, so yes I was that close. Grab him and do what exactly?

up
Voting closed 0

Honestly? If I was in your shoes, I would barely have a plan. It would probably involve grabbing the bird while I'm stuck with the bird, then try and figure something to hold. Perhaps a nearby shop to find a box. If was around my car, then my car (with air condition on). Probably head to a pet shop immediately. Personally I would keep the bird as a pet if I cannot find the owner. This actually happened to be once (twice actually, but while the first few into my house, the second never let me get remotely close when it pass through my now parent's backyard - I don't think it made it through the winter).

Obviously I can't obligate you and you might not had the time to deal with a bird in your hand. I just hope the bird will be okay

@Swirrly, I am aware that some birds can survive the winter. Usually I notice such birds are somehow not alone. Most I heard in the area are of the Monk variety. There used to be a colony in East Boston. I heard it moved, but haven't heard anything about them since.

up
Voting closed 0

You talk on the phone with them and the bird is yakking away in the background. It makes them crazy. You go over and they tell you how the bird doesn't like you. It's weird.

up
Voting closed 0

I may be a bit crazy, but you know what? I love the heck out of my pet Congo African Grey Parrot, Aziza! When people have come to my place and met Aziza, I never tell people that she doesn't like them. I do, however, tell them that she's kind of shy because she doesn't know them.

up
Voting closed 0

I don't know if this one is the species that can life through the winters, but Monk Parakeets are becoming somewhat of an invasive nuisance a short distance to the south.

http://www.ctmuseumquest.com/?page_id=2207

up
Voting closed 0

The little blue bird in the photo is a budgie (budgerigar.) Completely different critter from a monk parakeet. Highly unlikely to survive for long outdoors, not just because of impending cold weather but because its bright coloring will make it a target for predators.

It might be worthwhile letting the folks at the Animal Rescue League know about it - they're right nearby and might be able to catch it.

up
Voting closed 0

Exactly. There's no point in grabbing the bird unless you have a cage or some safe place to put him. They are pretty excitable and can die if mishandled. Letting the Animal Rescue League know would be a great thing to do.

up
Voting closed 1

That was primarily the issue. We were on our way to dinner and spotted the bird. Should I grab it, walk it home and let it fly around the apartment until when? ARL is closed until Monday morning. not really safe to have a bird flying around a home. being in a box for 2 days wouldn't make the bird happy.

I tweeted it in hopes there would be an owner who would notice and know where to look for the li'l guy.

up
Voting closed 0