The monk parakeet nest that I watch was destroyed recently. Neighborhood gossip says it was vandalism -- that a "group of men" came with ropes and sticks and brought it down.

I don't know if that's true -- the nests do occasionally fall when they get too heavy. Either way, it's sad and I miss my cheery, friendly buddies.

The monks are trying to build on lights at a nearby football field, and they'll probably be chased away. Life isn't easy for these little guys.