LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

1. English and Scientific names: Monk Parakeet, Myopsitta monachus

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 19 - undetermined sex/age.

3. Locality: LOUISIANA: (parish) Orleans

Specific Locality: City Park - Couturie Forest/Scout Island, off Harrison Ave., New Orleans, LA

4. Date(s) when observed: 1/15/2011

5. Time(s) of day when observed: Various times between 8AM and noon.

6. Reporting observer and address: Tom Trenchard, Covington, LA

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Joan Garvey

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Sunny/mostly sunny during entire period. Exceptionally good lighting.

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): 10x42 Bushnell (Tom); 8x40 or better (Joan).

11. Distance to bird(s): Variable, from 20 to 100 yards. Birds were in several small flocks in flight, so distance not consistent.

12. Duration of observation: Several minutes total.

13. Habitat: Mixed woods, field areas of park.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation):

15. Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: total length/relative size compared to other familiar species, body bulk, shape, proportions, bill, eye, leg, and plumage characteristics. Stress features that separate it from similar species): Birds seen/heard were all of the parrot family, with strongly hooked beaks; gray to grayish-white forehead and throat/breast; yellow to greenish-yellow belly and undertail coverts; green head, back, forewings, tail; bluish primaries and secondaries. Long tapered tail. Birds about 12" in length, wingspan about 18".  Species does not resemble any other regular species, except possible escapees.

16. Voice: All birds were in flight, and very vocal.  Species regular at this location and seen and/or heard frequently.  Most of the time they are spotted flying overhead since they are very raucous.  This day was no different. Raucous squawks and squeeks. Many were vocalizing.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): None other than escapees.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): None.

19. Previous experience with this species: I have seen and heard this species as far back as the 1970s in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification): The day of observation no field guides were referred to due to the familiarity of the species (although guides were onhand).  Looked at photos and illustrations online later.

21. This description is written from: Some notes taken at the time (quantities and location); additional notes compiled after the fact

22. Are you positive of your identification if not, explain: Absolutely 100% positive of identification.

23. Date: January 17, 2011  7:35PM