July 17, 2009 Growing up in Santa Ana, I was lucky enough to see tropical parrots just by sitting in my backyard. Despite their brilliant plumage, I was always a bit more fascinated with the regular rock pigeons, the “rats with wings” as they are so affectionately called. Maybe it has something to do with their iridescent necks, or maybe because they are friendly and unafraid to approach you - even if they are just trying to take a bit of your lunch. Our weather has been so bright and sunny lately, there is nothing better than getting a cold drink and leisurely walking through the Zoo. On a recent walk through the Amazon Aviary, I saw a ground squirrel darting around the scarlet ibises and red ear slider turtles. Because of all the foliage and flowers, the squirrel seemed like an exotic bushy tail creature. A few more steps out of the Aviary, I was greeted by a couple of Anna’s Hummingbirds, chirping and circling the shady orchid trees. It was when I approached the swamp wallaby and looked up in the trees that I got my biggest surprise: a dozen pigeons perched on the branches! Now, like most Santa Ana natives, I have seen those gorgeous emerald parrots in trees, I have seen hawks and the occasional parakeet in trees. Sometimes, I’ve even seen geese and magnificent black roosters roaming the streets. But I had never seen a pigeon in a tree until that day! I was so used to seeing them on telephone wires, near picnic tables, and hovering near outdoor restaurants. To see them in a tree, acting like the birds they are, reminded me of how lucky I am to live in a city where monkeys, margays, and dozens of fluttering monarch butterflies are neighbors. I’ve met people who have never even seen a hummingbird in the wild, much less have a family of parrots take over their backyard…I have yet to meet someone who has not seen a pigeon. Every day, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by a fascinating mix of creatures and cultures. It is a truly lovely experience to just sit back and enjoy what makes our Zoo, and our community, so unique.

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