Feral parakeets encroach on hill country

County game wardens are watching with increasing alarm as flocks of feral parakeets are moving into Kerr County. Field studies are underway in collaboration with the local birdwatcher society to confirm the growth in numbers of these renegade pets.

No bird attacks have resulted in serious injuries, but campers at Kickapoo Kamp were forced to move their weaving class indoors as the colorful birds grew increasingly brazen in their attempts to steal yarn for nesting material.

Authorities believe the feral flocks originated in the San Antonio area.

“This probably started with one or two pet parakeets slipping outside while the owners cleaned their cages,” stated one official. “They began forming up into groups and interbreeding. This migration toward the hill county is just a quest for feeding range.”

Parakeets are notoriously territorial, and prolific breeders. Authorities are especially watching for signs that the birds are interbreeding with native species.

“You think it’s bad now... just wait until we start seeing bright green and blue talking vultures,” said the official.

In related news, fish and game specialists are monitoring reports of increasingly aggressive “gold” colored fish in area lakes and streams.

-30-