In the 1970's, when feral Quaker
populations became apparent in the United
States, lawmakers became concerned that these
populations would pose an agricultural threat,
as well as a threat to other birds.
To date, it cannot be substantiated
that wild Quaker colonies are a threat to
agriculture, nor, has it been proven that
they are invasive to native avian species.
Let me repeat that:
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But they also nest in trees and
in clusters of vines where conditions allow
easy and secure placement of woven twigs.
We have approximately 15-20 nests here in
Edgewater.
The nests, depending on colony size, can
be very large, hosting several families, with
3 chambers per family unit built into each
nest.
Nests do not cause pole fires. Let me repeat
that:
THEY DO NOT CAUSE FIRES!
In the 1970's, when feral Quaker populations
became apparent in the United States, lawmakers
became concerned that these populations would
pose an agricultural threat, as well as a
threat to other birds.
THEY ARE NOT A THREAT TO OTHER BIRDS
OR AGRICULTURE!
To date, it cannot be substantiated that
wild Quaker colonies are a threat to agriculture,
nor, has it been proven that they are invasive
to native avian species. Let me repeat that:
In fact, I have recorded Quakers sharing
their nests with native species, such as Rock
Doves, Mourning Doves, and Owls. They are
frequently found in the company of Starlings,
Grackles, and Squirrels. They are very socialble
birds! (see PHOTOS)
Regarding local
nest fires: There have only
been TWO in Edgewater, and that was in 1998.
One was caused by lightning hitting the pole
and the other by a burning cigarette put in
the nest.
It is not the nests that cause the fires.
The birds are the victims, not the perpetrators.
The fire that was caused by lightning resulted
in a brief loss of power for barely one hour!
There are alternatives
to nest removal! There are
devices that can be put on transformers as
well as additions to current poles that have
been employed successfully in other urban
areas. Many of these are actually cost-efficient
to the utility company because they do not
have to send workmen out to sites to remove
nests periodically.
Quakers are not
crop destroyers. Most often
Quakers eat berries, and it was proven that
many of the farmers in their native territory
blamed the Quakers for crop damages for insurance
purposes. Edgewater has no farmland or crops
to worry about, anyway.
Quakers will never
take over. Monks will never
grow into large colonies that could take over
wide spread areas. Studies of wild Monks show
that baby birds rarely, if ever, go further
than 500 feet from their parents' nest sites.
In the event that a nest is destroyed, they
never settle more than a few hundred yards
away.
Tearing down nests
makes things worse. Quakers
mate for life, and the act of mating usually
occurs once a year. Tearing down their nests
confuses the birds and actually causes an
increase in the number of matings, thereby
causing an increase in the census.
Quakers get along
fine with other birds. They
are not territorial and do not attack other
birds who are in the same vicinity. I have
pictures to prove my arguement, if anyone
is interested.
They are exceptionally
intelligent. Quakers have
the largest vocabulary of any other parrot
species. They learned to make the nests they
have here. Often, in their home territory,
they excavate abandoned nests of other birds.
They had to figure out a way to suvive here,
and they did - by building the nests we see
on top of utility poles and in trees. And
they teach this same technique to their young,
so that they may be able to survive! They
have worked so hard-don't they deserve to
stay?!
They are loving
and concerned parents. Visit
www.quakerville.com
for more info and videos of Mommy Parrots
feeding their babies in the wild.
They are loyal
and very loving to their human companions.
No doubt about that. Anyone who owns a Quaker
as a pet will tell you what devoted and loving
companions they are. Visit www.quakerville.com/
for more info.
See the Updates!
In non-domestic settings, Quakers are
hardy and resourceful birds.
