You'd think I live in Costa Rica but this was captured in my backyard in Southern California. I've always been fascinated by these birds (Red Crowned Amazon Parrot). They seem a bit out of place but they could have migrated here from Mexico. There has long been a rumor that they are the result of people releasing pets but it is not certain because it is plausible they migrated from the South where they were somewhat threatened. They are finding quite the rebound out here and are becoming more common every year.

Even though it was in my backyard, they are far from tame or used to people. Usually they will only land towards the top of tall trees and if people are near and taking notice, they will immediately fly further away. Even when there's food. Our loquat tree was blooming but not even close to ripe yet, but I noticed them from a window poking around a tree (I can't identify) with these little black round balls on them and the Parrots seem to enjoy them. Using a travel trailer for cover, I quietly hid behind it, dialed in my settings, and then handheld I put the camera up to my face. I used the lens coupled with the body of the Z8 with battery grip to hide my face as I slowly peeped around the corner of the trailer. I began firing away to make sure I at least got a shot of them because I fully expected them to scatter. But they didn't They were looking at me, I was shooting with no shutter noise and once I got comfortable I just waited for this shot. I haven't seen them here since but recently I came across a flock in South Pasadena.

Captured with Nikon Z8 + Nikon 28-400 f/4-8 lens. ISO 2000, 400mm, f/8, 1/800 sec.