The Connecticut Association for Aviculture vehemently and
unequivocally opposes the monk parakeet eradication campaign
being carried out by UI and the USDA. We urge the use of
utility industry practices that preserve the lives and
liberty of the monk parakeets while still meeting the
utility company’s objectives of keeping equipment clear of
nesting material. Non-lethal measures are being utilized in
other states. We also urge legislative changes in the State
of Connecticut that will afford protection for the monk
parakeets. These parrots, which are intelligent sentient
beings, have been a part of our wildlife for more than 30
years. They are non-aggressive and have established an
ecological niche in our State. According to the studies of a
number of experts including Dr. Dwight Smith, Chair of the
Biology Department of Southern Connecticut State University,
the monks have not proven to be the threat that was feared
they would be 30 years ago when they arrived. Non native
species does not mean invasive species in this case.
Research has shown that monk parakeets do not take over wide
spread areas. It has been shown that young birds rarely, if
ever, go further than 500ft from their parents nest sites.
The monks are not competing with native birds for habits or
food. They do not drive out native species as do starlings.
In fact, they share their nests with many other species
including owls. Squirrels also inhabit the nests of monk
parakeets. Crop damage feared 30 years ago has not been
documented. Monk parakeets tend to nest in urban not rural
areas, thus adding color and beauty to the limited wildlife
found in our urban area. A peaceable solution to the problem
they pose nesting on utility poles is possible. Connecticut
Association For Aviculture invites UI and other utility
companies to work with parrot groups, like ours, on this
peaceful and humane solution.
President of Connecticut Association of Aviculture
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