Quaker parakeets, also known as Monk parakeets, a parrot species scientifically known as Myiopsitta monachus, have been living in the wild in select areas in the greater New York City area for some 40 years. Within the City of New York,their colonies can be found in every borough except Manhattan. These harmless parrots have been subject to harsh treatment from utility companies, and by unscrupulous individuals who have been poaching them for retail sales, particularly in Brooklyn. Although the State of New York categorizes them as invasive and unprotected, it is time that be corrected by changing their status to protected, and asking public utilities and City agencies to consider plans of action when it comes to nest removal. We believe this can be done humanely, and with effort and coordination between concerned parties, agencies, and utility companies, can be accomplished without harm to these remarkable birds. We ask that you support legislation introduced in 2009 in the Council of the City of New York (Resolution 1872-2009) and in the New York State Senate and Assembly (S4131/A07688). We are asking that supporters of these bills to please also write directly to NYC Council Member Tony Avella (38-50 Bell Blvd., Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361) to support the City Resolution, and to NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.(159-53 102nd St., Howard Beach, NY 11414) and to NYS Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (230 West 72nd St., Suite 2F, New York, NY 10023)to support the State legislation.