HI Tweeters, I am one of I imagine many lurkers. I read the digests
and can only begin to say how much I enjoy the many posts and threads.
Thanks to you, I now buy organic coffee from the PCC near Seward Park.
I have seen the conures and agree they are probably Mitred. They have
the white eye ring, the scattering of red and as far as I can tell lack
the blue in the primaries (please correct me, those who get closer views
of them). I confess to being an aviculturist. I raise canaries. I
chose them because they are not endangered, and have been bred for many
centuries. I doubt there are many of us who do not also love the wild
birds. I have a pair of Violet-Green Swallows using the box I put up
for them for the second season now, there is a Bush-tit nest in the
cedar tree next to the deck. A Robin nest in the Laurel hedge. Barn
Swallows under the deck. House Finches, White Crowned sparrows, Fox
Sparrows, Golden Crowned Sparrows, Chickadees, Red Winged Black Birds,
Northern Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, Rufous and Anna's
hummingbirds..... all come to various feeders. This weekend our canary
club had an auction to which I donated a swallow box. It was so popular
that it ended up commanding $75 which was extraordinary. I know there
are strong feelings out there and seek to be non-inflamatory. But
please be aware that most of us love all birds and care deeply that the
wild ones remain protected and free, and the ones we keep receive the
best care we can give them. Thanks, Ken Foster, Seward Park
neighborhood.