Link: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State :: S. America to suburbs: Monk parakeets spread .
This article appeared in today's Chicago Sun-Times, and it reminded me of a recent encounter with one of these parakeets which made me wish I had my digital camera at hand. A few weeks ago on a bright sunny day, I was walking towards my school through a grove of crab apple trees, which are virtually barren with the onset of winter. As I proceeded down the sidewalk, I noticed a green parakeet perched on a branch about eye level, and this bird was attempting to eat one of the last cherry-red apples. The parakeet did not seem startled by this approaching human and I stopped to watch, mesmerized by the vivid colors. It was truly a Kodak moment, but alas, no camera to be found. The image is still fresh in my mind, though, and I have always loved catching glimpses of this non-native birds. I think they are sort of symbolic of the quirky and unique Hyde Park community.
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