the rix mix

EDGEWATER -- Time is running out on legislation to protect the wild parrots of Edgewater. Again.

While politicians scurry about Trenton, fighting the clock to pass a state budget before the summer recess, a bill granting citizenship to Edgewater's most famous immigrants languishes in committee for the third time in four years.

The legislation is not, even its most passionate proponents admit, a matter of life and death. But it is a vital step toward ensuring the future of charismatic little foreigners that long ago squawked their way into Edgewater's heart.

"We love our birds, and we want to protect them," said Edgewater borough administrator Greg Franz. "I don't think there's anybody who doesn't support the parrots. Well, except maybe the power company."

South American monk parakeets, also known as Quaker parrots, have lived in this urban hillside town just south of the George Washington Bridge for more than 30 years. How they got there is a matter of speculation: Maybe a crate broke open at JFK airport; maybe they're former house pets gone wild, or a deliberate release by an avian activist.

What is certain is that they are -- of about 350 known parrot species in the world -- the only ones biologically disposed to survive New Jersey winters. The reason is their unique ability to build massive, multi-chamber nests in which their shared body heat provides mutual protection against harsh temperatures.

The nests are the parrots' key survival trait and their downfall.

They are amazing constructs that can reach the size of a Volkswagen and weigh up to a ton, experts say. Monk parakeets will only build high above the ground and their favorite perches are utility poles and, particularly, transformers.

There used be a flock of these birds in Keyport, a Raritan bay town - don't know if they're still there - & I wouldn't want them around. They get up in a tree nearby, you can't hear yourself think. But are they worse than pigeons, sparrows & starlings, our other winged rats? Probably not.

Labels: nature, New Jersey