Flocks of Carolina Parakeets

The Carolina Parakeet used to be all over the South. But like the passenger pigeon, they were all shot down. Extinct! The last Carolina Parakeet died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1918, the same spot the last passenger pigeon died in 1914! I wrote about the passenger pigeon a few weeks ago.

The Carolina Parakeet was the only North American Parrot. They filled the skies in South Carolina. There were more of them than Robins. I wish I could look up and see those colorful birds flying around today. Can you imagine flocks of wild parakeets in your yard?

There are so many birds today in danger of extinction. Click here for ways to help! You should stop using poisons and pesticides in your yard, and protect the water. Check out these important bird areas.
What do you think? Click "comment" and let me know.

From billions to zero

One out of every four bird species in the USA is in trouble! Two out of three species in the world are declining! Hard to beleive?

Once there were billions of passenger pigeons. It was the most numerous bird on the planet. They were colorful and could fly 70 miles an hour! They were hunted like crazy, and a hunter even said "Don't worry. There are so many, we can't kill them all." But at the Cincinnati Zoo, the very last passenger pigeon died in September 1914. Extinct!

I've seen two stuffed passenger pigeons. One at the Museum of Science in Boston last summer, and one this March at the Natural History Museum in Washington D.C. But I'll never get to see a real one.




Will we let more birds go extinct? What can you do about it? Learn more about the birds in your yard and neighborhood. You can plant wild flowers and trees for the birds and butterflies. Build a birdfeeder so birds will use it during the winter. The Audubon says write letters. Talk to your parents about things your family can do at home. Any other suggstions?

What will you do to help the birds in your town? Let me know!