Monk parakeets to be removed in Edgewater, Fort Lee and Leonia
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 15:59 
PSE&G crew members began removing bird nests along their utility polls in Edgewater on Tuesday and are scheduled to remove more of them in Fort Lee and Leonia Wednesday. Image by KEVIN R. WEXLERPSE&G crews began removing bird nests along their utility poles in Edgewater on Tuesday and are scheduled to remove more of them in Fort Lee and Leonia Wednesday.
The removals — to keep monk parakeets from nesting on utility lines to avoid possible short-circuits and power outages — are not new, though PSE&G began working with local environmental groups several years ago to minimize the impact on the birds.
PSE&G crew member in action. Image by KEVIN R. WEXLERThe plan is to remove approximately 30 nests this week, before breeding season begins, so the monk parakeets will have time to build new homes in other locations.
Monk parakeets, admired by some for their colorful plumage, are viewed by others as a nuisance. Last December, they caused a four-hour power outage that affected about 3,400 customers in Leonia, Englewood Cliffs and Teaneck.
PSE&G and bird advocates used to be more at odds on nest removals, but over the years, the two sides have worked together more closely.
Monk parakeets at their nest just bofore its removal. Image KEVIN R. WEXLER
“We appreciate that the birds are beautiful, that people find them peaceful,” said PSE&G spokeswoman Kristine Snodgrass. “But [the environmentalists] also appreciate what our problems are with our equipment.”
Alison Evans-Fragale, founder of the Edgewater Parrot Society, said Tuesday she’s pleased with how the utility company is handling the removal and appreciated PSE&G’s willingness recently to contact her organization a month in advance to give them ample time to arrange for society members to supervise the work.
Ideally, nests should be removed when the weather is not too cold so the birds won’t freeze as they build new homes, yet the work must be done before breeding season.
“This is probably the most ideal week to remove the nests,” Evans-Fragale said. “It will give the birds enough time to rebuild the nests.”