As I feared, the monk parakeets were allowed to build nests on the football field lights for two months and now they've been taken down. It's the worst possible thing for the birds -- to be homeless just as it's getting cold.

I am writing letters to the park administrators, but the harm is done. It's so hard to advocate for these birds. Since they are subject to poaching, it's not a good idea to publicize even the general area where there nests are located.

In happy news for birdwatchers, a prothonotary warbler has settled in at the main branch of the public library. He (or she) is eating very well and getting a lot of online attention from the bird bloggers. More photos here.