Monk, Oriole

Checking in with the vocal Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) of Green-Wood. Still hollering, in general, although this one was quiet for the photo. Year-around residents, they were introduced from the Andes. There are little clusters elsewhere in Brooklyn, but I believe the colony at the Green-Wood gate and the ConEd substation across the street is the largest in the borough. Yeah, they build on the transformers all the time. ConEd must love that combo of wood and electrical heat.The Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) have returned from Central and South America and are busy building their nests. It’s damned hard to see these woven bag-like structures until fall removes the leaves. Of course, you can’t miss that rich, clear whistling song of the males now, even if you can’t see them way up in the tree tops. Here are a couple of males, much more orange than the females.

Check out their Texan cousins, the Altamira Orioles.