During a stroll through the parkland today a brief period of winter sunshine provided an opportunity to take some images of one of our noisiest non native species, the Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet.
This colourful and gregarious parakeet originates from the foothills of the Himalayas and whilst there have been various suggestions as to how this species was introduced locally its numbers have grown substantially mainly due to its ability to cope with our milder winters. In 2006 the winter roost at Esher Rugby Club was c. 6,000 but they have since disbursed elsewhere. A few winters ago 70-100 birds roosted just 100 yards from our house!
Having a diet of berries, buds, nuts and seeds means that they are frequent visitors to our garden feeders. For various reasons they are now considered a nuisance due to their mass foraging habits and ability to take over the nest holes of other native species but at least they brighten up a winter morning walk. FAB.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
Three stunning images frank,love your last shot.
ReplyDeleteHave a merry Christmas and a healthy new year.
John.
They are beautiful, have a great holidays.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Parrots - they are especially beautiful in the sunshine. I can imagine how noisy a group of up to 100 would be close to your house.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images... I used to see them here in Cheshire but not for a few years.
ReplyDeleteI wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
so soft and beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Frank. I tend to hear these before seeing them. A bit different from the norm. Glad you managed some sunshine. I'm jealous about that. Have a great Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images. We,at the moment do not have them in the UK but I wonder how long it wil take before they arrive with us in Northern Ireland?
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant pest. One of our local golf courses has a colony of green parrots...definitely not locals. They make a din when you're trying to tee off.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful shots, Frank!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bird. Awesome shots!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Pretty Parakeet, awesome photos.. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty bird but in some ways I'm pleased there aren't any round here.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Anita Frank. Thanks for stopping by. Love the colors of this bird. Reminds me of spring days when the grass and leaves are brand new and bright green. Carol
ReplyDeletegot to love parrots! happy holidays! phyllis
ReplyDeleteHeel mooi zit hij daar ,hij staat er perfect op.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful and colorful bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking bird. I think that once they are established I think we should just accept them as part of the avifauna. I'd gladly put out a little extra feed if they came to my feeders.
ReplyDeleteFrank, his head looks like a hood with that distinct ring on the neck...a beautiful bird!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteThey're gorgeous birds even though they seem a little out of place.
ReplyDelete