Rose-ringed Parakeet.

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.

Recent Patch Birds.

Another damp and dreary week so very limited opportunities for photos during my local patch walks around Epsom Common Pond but here are a few of the recent visitors and residents.

A single Greylag Goose. A fairly infrequent visitor on the patch who decided to keep its distance.

I have counted up to six Northern Shoveler on the pond this last week. The males were in various plumage's but often hidden away while feeding in the waterside vegetation. Occasional forays across the water always seem to be a long way away from my viewing point hence this cropped record shot.  

One of the resident Mallard flying over in the hope of not missing out on a hand-out!

Kestrel taking a well earned rest from its hunting activities.

A 1st winter Mistle Thrush, perched in the open, showing off its distinctive rounded black breast spots and the paler outer coverts.

One of the many Ring-necked Parakeets inspecting a possible roosting hole. This is now a common resident breeding species but more often seen and heard when flying over the woodland.

Back at home there has been far more activity around the feeders including Blue Tit (above image shot through the window), Great Tits, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrows, Starling, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird and Ring-necked Parakeets making sure I keep the larder well stocked.  FAB.

Linking to Saturday's Critters, Camera Critters and I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'.