When I discussed the Daily Bucket it was recommended that I keep the writing short, and include lots of pictures. But today I want to tell a bit of a story and so I’m going to beg forgiveness and see if I can pass muster anyway. I am fortunate that there is a train track running down the side of my neighborhood. That might sound bad, but right next to the tracks is a major power line. Worse you say? No, there is about a two-mile-long section that is rented out to a horse rancher who runs local events. He has carefully protected the species that live on and around the property, chasing off kids with BB guns and keeping all poisons away from the property. So, I have my own little slice of nature in the middle of Houston.
Hopefully, I can publish several buckets on what is there.
This bucket is about Monk Parakeets. Houston has a large colony that is non-endemic and probably resulted from released pets. They can be seen foraging along the train tracks and around the power lines. This year, I discovered their nest sites and have been watching them prepare for breeding.
Their nests look like large bundles of twigs. There are currently six of them in the power towers where I hang out.
Ten years ago, about the time that I discovered the monk parakeets, there was a large influx of white-winged doves into Houston. Those who’ve lived here for decades tell me that mourning doves have been here forever and that the white wing invasion isn’t just new, but massive. They are distinctive in that they have a white bar across their wings that can be seen at the base of the wing when they are perched.
Along with the white-winged doves came a huge hawk population. Red-tails and others who came to hunt the doves. Typically, I see four or five “takes” a year, it is that common.
At the time I discovered the Monk nests, I found that there was a pair of red-tailed hawks who had taken up residence in the same area and appear to be waiting for parakeet fledglings. The parakeets scold and berate, to no effect. My assumption that they are waiting for fledglings is based on where they are perching and time frames. They’ve been sitting on the two towers where the parakeet nests are and do not leave that area for any reason.
Monk parakeets are gregarious and make a racket as they fly in and out, working on their nests and playing. They are about seven inches long, sans tail, and weigh about 120 grams. Think large robbin or blue jay although they are closer in size to a Canadian jay.
The parakeets are flying into the neighborhood next to the power lines and biting branches off of live oaks to build their nests. I’ve not gotten a good shot of that, green on green, sigh.
My goal is to be present when the babies fledge. Not to watch the hawks hunt, but simply to watch them emerge and make their way into the world.
I have a particular fondness for parrots, being an owner. My own red-bellied parrot can be seen below.
Last, I am not a hawk expert. I can identify the red-tail hawks because of, the red tail. I have to admit, I have no idea what the hawk (the first hawk picture) with the dove is. I’ve looked at many pictures, and I just can’t figure him out. If you know, let me know.