Ring-Necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Ring-Necked Parakeet. Dulwich Park.

I thought as it's been a grey day in London I'd upload something colourful. Taken at about 5pm today in Dulwich very near to the large Turkey Oak just as the evening sun came out. These birds are obviously not indigenous to the UK. According to the RSPB they started breeding in Britain in 1969. And their wild existence is as a result of escaping from captivity. They're pretty easy to spot in London, I've seen them in most of the main parks and commons, especially in SW and SE London. Despite being so brightly marked they are fairly well camouflaged when still in a tree you'll probably hear there loud squawks before you see them. They are often in large groups. I've seen them being quite territorial and very aggressive toward a pair of squirrels in a Horse Chestnut in Richmond Park. Their effect on the ecosystem in this country has not yet been quantified but their numbers are growing rapidly and there is surely a price to pay.