Wild parrots in Campbell??

Has anyone in the San Tomas neighborhood seen the flock of parrots who have been hanging out here? Does anyone know the story behind them? I moved to Campbell recently, and I noticed they like to hang out on the big tree outside our house in the mornings. It's a pretty amazing sight - and a remarkably noisy one, too.

Yes, I have heard them also....although I could not see them. They have wild flocks in San Francisco which love to sit in the trees in the Coit Tower area. From what I have heard, parrots can live in this type of weather once they become used to it. (I always thought they preferred warm weather).....They usually originate from parrots that escape their owners.....


meg

You do know about the recently released documentary about the wild parrots in San Francisco called Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, right? If not, what a strange coincidence that you should pose this question at this particular time!

It's funny - I actually read an article in the SF Chronicle many months ago about the parrots in SF and the documentary you've mentioned. I think it's probably the only reason why I was able to identify exactly what these strange-looking noisy birds are. I just couldn't believe my eyes the first time I saw them! They're really interesting to watch.

The parrots have been around for years. I see them do fly-overs in the summer. They can be a noisy bunch. I saw them once while I was driving down Hacienda, did a double-take and pulled over for a better look. I don't remember ever seeing them during the winter.

I've heard stories of how, years ago, some animal activists freed the birds from a tropical aviary. But it's probably just a story. They do make an interesting addition to this area...

I've heard them from time to time as well myself, but didn't realize that they were actually wild parrots until Mary pointed it out a few weeks ago. They perch in one of my neighbors backyard trees on most mornings. When I've heard them in the past I always thought they were someone's pets.

Anyone know what kind of parrots they are? I don't recognize their call at all. They appear to be a murky green but I haven't gotten a really good look at them either. I'll take a photo if they ever get low enough for me to zoom in on.

Hey, Mary? My cat died and I've been actually wanting a bird, how early do you think you'd have to get up to catch me a wild parrott for my birthday?

Hey Barbara! If you're really thinking about getting a bird, you should make contact with Ceci Sharp of Birds Only (her username on Social Wave is "birdsonly"). She knows TONS about birds (it's literally her business!) and she has a strong relationship with a bird rescue organization, Mickaboo. In terms of getting a new feathered pet, I'm convinced that bird rescue is the only way to go. Ceci can give you a lot of information about bird care and what type of bird might suit you best.

That said, I'll put in a good word for you with our green winged friends over here! Maybe they'll be wanting a little two-legged companionship and a roof over their heads.

Just a quick follow-up on my mention of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill... I saw the film this past weekend, and it really was delightful and thoughtfully done. Definitely a must-see for anyone who loves birds or is interested in the bonds that can form between and among both humans and wild animals. Be prepared to laugh, to cry, to be amazed, and to be moved.

Hey, I finally got an ok photo of one of 'em.
http://socialwave.net/main/index.php?act...&cmd=si&img=574

I think it's an Amazon, though I'm not sure.

I saw 2 of them playing on the power lines along Hacienda again just today. Even with their green and bright red markings you have to be paying attention to notice them.

That's great! The flock hasn't stopped by the big tree near our house for a couple of weeks, and I was wondering what had happened to them. I'm glad they're still hanging out in the area.

The parrots are back! They seem to hang out in this huge tree by our house every morning. I looked up at them and it looked as if there were more of them this time around, but some of the other birds may have been other species. It's hard to tell with the naked eye.

I've known about these birds for quite some time now. I always thought they were conures, but the picture does look like a yellow-headed amazon. Maybe an amazon escaped.

I own a Jenday conure and they are certainly noisy! In the movie, Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, the birds are conures, a couple of different kinds.

I have family in Sacramento and they also have a flock of parrots visiting their neighborhood!

By the way, if anyone's seen these birds in the past week, Lisa from the Campbell Reporter is looking for info to do a story. She posted a message on one of the photos. Get in touch with her if you can give her any info.
http://socialwave.net/main/index.php?act=m...d=si&img=&p=112

Re the wild parrots, tonight at 11 PM, I almost ran over one of the wild parrots on Martin Ave., in San Jose near the Airport. It was in the middle of the street and I was able to pick it up with a towel and put it in a box. I believe it has an injured wing.

I am going to bring it either to Wildlife Rescue in Palo Alto tomorrow or call For the Birds Vets; unless someone knows an expert in the area that would be willing to take this bird in. I'd hate to see it put down, so any help or resources would be appreciated.

My phone number....call anytime 408-734-8636.

Thanks.

Sandra, you should contact Micaboo Bird Rescue. Their website appears to be down right now, but it's usually at:
http://mickaboo.com