WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY – MY BACKYARD, FL
This photograph is of wild green parrots at a bird feeder taken in my backyard in North Miami, Florida.I am so amazed at what diversity of bird life, and life itself, exists in one’s own back yard. The camera gear used was a Nikon D90 attached to a Tamron 28-300mm lens. These birds can be quite skittish so I was hidden within a hunting blind and out of sight.
The wild parrot is formally known as a Quaker parrot, Quaker parakeet, or Monk parrot or parakeet. ‘Parakeet’ is the common classification for smaller members of the parrot family. They are scientifically known as Myiopsitta monachus.
The overall color of the wild parrot is green, sometimes with pale grey on the forehead, cheeks and throat that extends down to the chest. On the chest, the grey feathers are white-tipped, giving a scalloped effect. Some blue can be found in the tail and flight feathers. The eyes are a dark brown, and the bill is horn colored. Young parrots look much the same except the colors are not as bright as on adult parrots. The sex of the bird cannot be identified by its physical appearance; it is determined only by DNA or surgical sexing.
Around 11 inches, weight range is 85-150 grams, but the average wild parrot is about 90-120 grams (apx. 1/4 of a pound). These parrots are about the size of a common pigeon, but have a stockier build.
During the coldest months of the year, December to February, the birds feed almost exclusively on bird seed at backyard feeders. In warmer months, wild parrots usually search for food in groups of two to fifty-five birds on plant buds, weeds, fruits and berries found on common shrubs and trees.
Cool wildlife photo
Wow, I wish they came to my feeder
These are White-eyed Parakeets (Aratinga leucophthalma)
Actually most likely juvenile mitred conure (Aratinga mitrata) or juvenile cherry-headed (red-masked) conure (Aratinga erythrogenys). Both are common in captivity and very common locally in feral flocks. White-eye parakeets/conures are not common.
Nice picture of wild parrots, but they are not the Monk/Quaker parrots. Looks like a conure of some sort to me.
Lovely photos, so glad I found this site.
Thank you Margie, explore the site and enjoy.
Love the color on these birds. My favorites to see on my feeder here are the cardinals, with their beautiful red color. Great close up shot.
Wow!
Thank you Hilary!