Parrots of La Crescenta

April 21, 2009

There are at least seven species of wild parrots in Los Angeles. All of these species are non-native and have origins traced back to pet store fires and theme park closures. However their populations started, I find these wild parrots fascinating. For the past few years I have been lucky enough to spot these guys hundreds of times. Much of my work is done outdoors and I am easily distracted by the distant squawking of these beautiful parrots. My best sightings have been in the late spring and summer months when they often fly over our house in the early morning hours. I was working in the garage one morning and saw them land on the power lines near our house. They cautiously looked around then swooped down to eat fruit from a neighbors tree. I grabbed my camera and was able to snap a few dozen photos. I hope to photograph these birds again soon and update this page as I do.

Here are three of the parrots checking the scene before heading down to the fruit tree.

Parrots always find time to play.

One of my best wild parrot photos. This looks as if it was taking in the jungle when it was taken just a across the street of our La Crescenta home.