SoapBox
By Christopher W.
For many decades, Santa Barbarians have enjoyed seeing the flock of bright green squawkers on their way from their roosts in Montecito over the Riviera toward their foraging grounds in San Roque to Samarkand to Hope Ranch and back home again. Perhaps stopping in your back yard along the way.
Their origins are debated. They may have escaped sometime before the 1950’s, or in the 1970’s, or, they may be a naturally displaced population of their misleadingly named species (Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrots) which are native to the Pacific Slopes of Mexico as far north as the upper Sea of Cortez, not the Amazon. Over the years their numbers have fluctuated from 6 to 14 and more members.
It is reported that the debris flow disrupted their roosting area in Montecito and the flock was quickly beset upon by predators who took out all but 3 of the birds. The three remained until this past spring when the lone female disappeared just before nesting.
What remains are 2 bonded males. One is a hybrid (Lilac-Crowned and Double Yellow-Headed) and likely sterile. The other is the last remaining viable Lilac-Crowned parrot. Efforts are being considered to potentially restock the flock with rescued wild birds from other locations in California. Or, potentially, an escaped pet could join them, which is a long, long shot. So, if you see these two, consider yourself privileged and wish them the best for their shaky future.
During the fast moving Sycamore Canyon fire of 1977, a resident who had a large aviary of parrots had to make the quick decision to open the doors and let them all escape the advancing flames. His name was Harry Linden and he had the “Santa Barbara Bird Farm” (google it). Thereafter for many years several flocks of them could be seen here and there between Montecito, the Mesa and Hope Ranch. Sorry to hear there are only 2 lonely males remaining. But note that they are not native to this area, though it is kinda neat they survived on their own for so long.
because we intervened to begin with….so we fix things as best we can…
If you’ve ever had a flock of wild parrots call your neighborhood home, you’d be cheering at this news. While they’re beautiful, they are some of the most obnoxious and loud birds around.
Do you see the irony in your ranting about something being obnoxious and loud?
I most definitely see the irony of your username and your comment…
I won’t miss them one bit. Good riddance.
I’m telling you, the best thing for these last couple parrots is for someone to trap and relocate them to their native country. There, they can find some nice female mates…or just hang out and forage. San Roque is a dead end for them, trust me.