Author: parrot observer

I was curious to see what ChatGTP “thought” about the wild parrots of Brooklyn. I asked it two basic questions and got back some reasonable results. Frankly, I have no reason to quibble with what ChatGTP has to say about the parrots — the substance of what it generated agrees with my experience and what I know from the research I’ve done.

(Note to Google and anyone else who might care: I’m notifying you — and everyone else — that the following content was created by ChatGTP and Dall-E — another AI system created by the same bunch that created ChatGTP (so please don’t zap this site!)

Question from Human: What do you know about the wild parrots of Brooklyn?

ChatGTP Answer: Wild parrots in Brooklyn refer to a population of monk parakeets, also known as Quaker parrots, that have established a feral colony in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City.

The parrots are believed to have been introduced to Brooklyn in the 1960s or 1970s, either as escaped pets or intentionally released birds. They have since adapted to the local environment, building large communal nests made of sticks and twigs on utility poles and in trees.

The Brooklyn parrot population is estimated to be around 200-300 individuals, and they can be found in several neighborhoods including Green-Wood Cemetery, Marine Park, and Brooklyn College. They have become somewhat of a local icon and are enjoyed by many Brooklyn residents, although some people view them as a nuisance due to their noise and tendency to damage utility equipment.

The parrots are not native to the United States, and there is concern among some conservationists that they may outcompete native birds for resources. However, the population in Brooklyn appears to be stable, and efforts have been made to protect their habitat and nesting sites.

Question from Human: Can you add some more detail?

ChatGTP Answer: Monk parakeets are a small species of parrot native to South America. They are known for their distinctive green and gray plumage, and the bright orange feathers on their faces.

The parrots in Brooklyn are known for their large, communal nests, which can weigh up to 200 pounds and house multiple breeding pairs. These nests are made of sticks and twigs, and can sometimes cause damage to utility poles and buildings.

The Brooklyn parrot population has been studied by researchers, who have found that the birds have adapted to the cold Northeastern winters by huddling together in their nests for warmth. They also eat a varied diet that includes berries, fruit, and seeds.

The parrots have become a popular attraction for tourists and birdwatchers in Brooklyn. There are even guided tours available to see the parrots and learn about their history in the area.

While the parrots are generally seen as a positive addition to the Brooklyn wildlife scene, there have been some concerns about their impact on native bird populations. However, studies have found that the parrots do not appear to be causing significant harm to other species, and may even provide benefits to the ecosystem by spreading seeds and helping to control insect populations.

Overall, the wild parrots of Brooklyn are a unique and interesting part of the city’s wildlife, and are loved by many residents and visitors alike.

<resume content from regular old-fashioned deeply flawed human>

As you likely know, Green-Wood Cemetery is my first choice for birding in Brooklyn. It’s the best place to see our remarkable wild parrots in action, and it’s also a place where one is likely to be surprised by experiences bordering on the mystical.

Case in point: this red-tailed hawk, which, this past Wednesday, implacably perched on the impressive memorial obelisk of Emmett and Catharine Pell for more than a half hour in the early afternoon.

I’ve done my share of hawk-watching and have never gotten so close to one.

A mockingbird was clearly disturbed by the presence of the hawk.

Mockingbirds are tough and won’t let the hawk’s size advantage intimidate them. The hawk ignored the harassment and would not be moved.

Feather-maintenance was undertaken.

Note the carving on the obelisk: a pair of soaring wings. Coincidence?

With no prompting from any discernible cause, the hawk flew off to the north, in the general direction of pigeon flocks operating in the vicinity of Park Slope.

I can’t at this point say whether the hawk will return to this same location, especially given the unwelcome reception he was given by the mockingbird.

But it’s worth a try and is only a 3-minute walk from the main gate.

To get to the Emmett and Catharine Pell memorial, walk up Sycamore Avenue until it meets Arbor and Bay Road Avenues – that’s just to the west of the Dewitt Clinton monument, which is visible from this location. Remember, you’ll be on an active road frequented by the Trolley and by motorized visitors, so stick to the road edges.

With the hawk gone, the parrots at the main gate resume their continual chatter and daytime activities.

The parrots seem to respect the hawks’ domain. They generally avoid the higher ground in the interior of the cemetery and are rarely seen in the interior (although they will travel through the NE corner near Battle Hill from time to time, a place also frequented by hawks).

The parrots’ main theater of activity is along the western edge of the cemetery, especially around the entrance gate, where they enjoy proximity to a wide range of food sources: grass (their natural staple), various flowering trees, and a particular clover that grows around the stone of many horizontal grave markers.

On my way home, I noticed some anti-Starling propaganda taped to a lamp post across the street from the Cemetery.

Not sure what to make of this — is this a stunt or are these people serious?