This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Polly Wants to Live in Burbank: Parrots Take to the Skies Over Verdugo Ave
Photo of a wild parrot in Echo Park by petekraynak via the LAist Featured Photos pool
If you've ever watched television or movies from the 1970s, you know that owning a parrot in during that crazy decade was as trendy as sequins and cocaine.
Well, now, experts believe that the descendants of those one-time pets are enjoying their man-made habitat by flocking over Verdugo Avenue every morning and waking up residents. The Burbank Leader reports that a flock of about 100 brightly-colored birds can be seen and heard almost every day, at sunrise and sunset.
"It feels like this roar that just comes overhead," Burbank resident Cindy Brown told the Leader.
The be-feathered group breaks up during the day, say experts, leaving residents to their work, then ring the 5:00 bell to let them know it's time to go home.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
