red-masked parakeet

Native to the arid Tumbesian zone of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru, this species is near threatened in its natural range. However it is introduced to southern Peru, Puerto Rico, Florida, and California. California populations appear to be limited with scattered with breeding...

I believe that is what these were. The cloud hung low and these were inside the cloud, grey birds on grey background, until the computer did its tricks with dehaze.

This one is an adult former pet who sometimes flies away with the wild flocks in the area and sometimes spends several hours near the lodge buildings.

There were plenty of "introduced" species at the Nat'l Park as well, especially in the forest patches behind the beach. They're my theme today. Meet Red-masked Parakeet, Psittacara erythrogenys. There, I've (re-)introduced him.

A batch of these hang out in my hometown of La Mesa, California, often adding a fair amount of "natural sound" to an otherwise laid-back suburban community. Got this shot in Mary-san's back yard.

Eating mesquite beans. There was a flock that flew over every morning at about 7 AM and returned in the late afternoon. I counted about 70 of them.

Red Masked Parakeets

The Red-masked parakeet, Aratinga erythrogenys, is a medium-sized South American parrot. It is known in the pet trade as the Cherry-headed Conure, however, these are, of course, wild.

The Red-masked parakeet, Aratinga erythrogenys, is a medium-sized South American parrot. It is known in the pet trade as the Cherry-headed Conure, however, these are, of course, wild.

This Wild Red-masked Parakeet - (AKA) Red-masked Conure, Cherry-headed Conure, can be found in the City of San Francisco. This one was taken at the Presidio of San Francisco Golden Gate National Recreation Area San Francisco, California

One of a wild flock of Psittacara erythrogenys chomping on the Pecans in my neighbor's tree. ID correction thanks to Richard Bledsoe. Photo taken 10-13-03, CP 5700

these little guys are common in the point loma area of san diego, nesting in the palm trees there. the neighbors say you get used to the noise.