Well, it took long enough – given the fact they’ve assembled in mass on my street. But today after weeks of circling, they finally bothered to check out the feeders. I was also thrilled to see one of them checking out the platform as well.
Finally, Parrots at My Feeder
Published August 29, 2008 Parrot Sightings 1 CommentTags: amityville, long island, monk parakeets, new york, quaker parrots, wild parrots
Great news! Regarding the platform: if you place small sticks on the platform, and wedge some in the wire, you may accelerate their interest in building. They are stick freaks, and if the platform is there, and the nest material is also there, chances are, these birds will begin to build. Just seeing sticks in the wire will probably inspire them to re-arrange the sticks to their liking, and once they start that, you’re off and running. Wooden coffee stir sticks, which you can buy for not much, are great to get them started building.
Yes, the nest on the transformer should be removed continually, thus discouraging the birds and impressing them with the idea that the transformer is not a safe place to raise their young. Continual disturbance to the nest area will eventually cause abandonment by the birds. Better now, than later, when it’s cold, and losing the protection of the nest will cause many to die of exposure. Also, better now than in the spring, when there will be babies whose lives depend on the protection of the nest structure.