To the Editor:

Connecticut Audubon Society is in no way supporting or condoning the widespread elimination of the monk parakeet population. Connecticut Audubon Society supports management activities employing non-lethal methods, before resorting to lethal methods to address issues such as management of the Monk Parakeet population.

Just a few years ago we spent over $4,000 rescuing 92 hatchling monks that had been blown from their nest tree and needed immediate hand feeding, incubation and rearing.

No one appreciates birds more than we do, whether native or not.

We have worked for several years consulting with the United Illuminating Company regarding the best and safest methods (for the welfare of the birds) to remove those few nest structures from hazardous utility poles in order to prevent fires and loss of power. In most cases this was successful, however, a few adults persist in rebuilding nests in hazardous locations – hazardous for the birds themselves as well as for people and homes.

In these few and isolated cases, the United Illuminating Company is working with the US Department of Agriculture to remove the nests and the adults. We simply must support these isolated cases, both for the welfare of the public as well as the population of monk parakeets as a whole. While research has not yet come up with a system to prevent monk parakeets from nesting on utility poles near transformers, we will continue to be part of these research efforts.

For the past 108 years, Connecticut Audubon Society has worked to conserve and protect native species of birds and their habitats in Connecticut. We are proud of our heritage and our service to Connecticut’s residents as a leader in bird conservation.

Sincerely,
Robert Martinez
President