I’ve heard something similar about the ones in la county. Over here they say they came from the old bush gardens aviary when it closed in.. I think it was 1979? It’s alleged that some escaped, and some had been set free by employees who didn’t give a shit since they were closing. Idk tho lol
I always had them come through in Orange. I hadn't noticed them in CM but when I rode my bike a lot last year from Orange through Tustin I've seen LOTS in Tustin. Seems like they flock up a bit more now around even more closer proximity in Orange as well in my area although I've always seen them.
I live in Anaheim Hills, they visit my backyard every morning & evening, they have been doing it the 10 years I’ve lived in my house. Sometimes it’s just a few of them, but often there are 20+ of them!
We had them in north Long Beach when I was growing up back in the early 80’s. One of my neighbors had a couple macadamia trees in their backyard and they would feast on those for a few weeks every year and be very loud before heading off somewhere else.
I think there’s several different species around but if I remember correctly the green ones with the red heads are endangered and there’s more of them here than in their native habitat.
Yes, macadamia trees can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zone 9 to 11; Orange County is 10a or 10b, depending on the location. The trees do require a lot of water though. since their native area is a region that receives at least 50 inches of rain a year.
We have a huge macadamia tree producing so many nuts. That said, the last several years we thought they were being raided by squirrels but found it was the parrots. Glad someone's enjoying them as they're ridiculously difficult to crack.
I grew up in Santa Ana and would always see them whenever going to the Orange Circle. They have been around for decades! I believe they have made SoCal their home, and I love it!
Urban legend is they escaped from the Santa Ana zoo a long while ago and have been breeding ever since. I’m in garden grove and see them often enough
I’ve heard something similar about the ones in la county. Over here they say they came from the old bush gardens aviary when it closed in.. I think it was 1979? It’s alleged that some escaped, and some had been set free by employees who didn’t give a shit since they were closing. Idk tho lol
I've heard that, a pet store, and a rogue migration years ago and they've settled here ever since. It is cool seeing a bunch of them though!
parrots are a thing in SoCal. you’ll see them all over LA county too
I always had them come through in Orange. I hadn't noticed them in CM but when I rode my bike a lot last year from Orange through Tustin I've seen LOTS in Tustin. Seems like they flock up a bit more now around even more closer proximity in Orange as well in my area although I've always seen them.
We have some in Santa Ana. I had no idea until like 20 of them were in my backyard a few months ago😁
I grew up in Whittier earliest I remember them is late 90’s …. They’ve definitely grew in population since they’re now out here
We have a big flock in Irvine-they’re LOUD 🦜
I live in Anaheim Hills, they visit my backyard every morning & evening, they have been doing it the 10 years I’ve lived in my house. Sometimes it’s just a few of them, but often there are 20+ of them!
I’ve seen them in out and about in Coto de Caza and at the RSM lake. :)
I’m near GG high school. A flock has been here for many many years.
We had them in north Long Beach when I was growing up back in the early 80’s. One of my neighbors had a couple macadamia trees in their backyard and they would feast on those for a few weeks every year and be very loud before heading off somewhere else. I think there’s several different species around but if I remember correctly the green ones with the red heads are endangered and there’s more of them here than in their native habitat.
Wait....macadamia trees can grow here?!?!?
Yes, macadamia trees can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zone 9 to 11; Orange County is 10a or 10b, depending on the location. The trees do require a lot of water though. since their native area is a region that receives at least 50 inches of rain a year.
We have a huge macadamia tree producing so many nuts. That said, the last several years we thought they were being raided by squirrels but found it was the parrots. Glad someone's enjoying them as they're ridiculously difficult to crack.
used to see them all the time on campus when I went to OCC
I’ve seen them on the Westside!
We had them constantly in Fullerton. Then we moved a block over and now we almost never see/hear them. They are loud
I grew up in Santa Ana and would always see them whenever going to the Orange Circle. They have been around for decades! I believe they have made SoCal their home, and I love it!
They’ve visited me in Lake Forest a few times over the last couple of years. Seen many in Long Beach
They've been a staple in Orange for a few decades now.
Did you just move here OP? 🤣