GCZKT3 East or West, This Nest's the Best (Traditional Cache) in Texas, United States created by Rowdy Bunch

This cache has been archived.

Rowdy Bunch: Went today to check on cache but couldn't find it. Unfortunately it appears to be missing. I am archiving this cache because it keeps getting muggled and because this site isn't special anymore without the bird nest. It just makes me really sad to come here now.

GCZKT3 ▼

A cache by Rowdy Bunch Message this owner

Hidden : 11/29/2006

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This is a very quick, easy cache, with an added attraction: a large monk parakeet nest! Please do not try to touch, harm or otherwise disturb the nest or the birds while you are there!!!

Wow! Have you seen anything like this before? This nest is fascinating and not one many people have seen.
Monk parakeets are native to Argentina, but escaped pets have established some colonies in several U.S. states over the past 30 years. Although they hail from a warm climate, their communal living habits have allowed them to survive in urban areas as far north as icy Chicago! They feed on seeds and berries and do not migrate south for the winter, choosing instead to huddle up together in their nest when it is cold.
These large parakeets are the only parrots on earth that build communal nests. They are green and gray, and their hooded markings have led them to be called monk parakeets. They also are known as Quaker parakeets.
The scientific jury is still out regarding their presence in the States. Even though they are nonnative, monk parakeets have not multiplied excessively, and they do not appear to be affecting any native bird species.
The birds are beautiful and fun to watch, so enjoy! But if you want to catch a glimpse of the birds, you'll need to go during the day and have a bit of good luck. If they are not out foraging, the parakeets fly back and forth during the daytime, chattering loudly or sitting in their oak tree, but they always retire early for the evening. About a half-hour before dusk each night, the whole colony of about 10 birds flies back to the nest, and they all go to sleep without a peep.
When placed, the cache was filled with a lot of toys and other treats. You are looking for a big plastic jar. Please try to conceal well when you are done.
If you are interested in learning more about the monk parakeet population in DFW, there is a Facebook page at (visit link)
In January 2011, we took part in a scientific study of the DFW monk parakeets by helping count the birds at this colony. There were a total of 10 monk parakeets at this site, split between this nest and one a couple dozen yards north in a huge oak tree. In all, 47 of the known nest sites in DFW were counted by 26 volunteers for a total count of 538 monk parakeets.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Va ohfu arne gerr gehax.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

This cache has been archived.

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East or West, This Nest's the Best Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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