Parakeets
The Parakeets in these photos are all Ring-necked Parakeets, which are all thought to be descended from escapees which have been breeding in the wild in this part of UK for quite a few years, and are now a daily sight here. They can often be seen here in flocks of up to 20 or 30 birds, and in their hundreds if you go to see them at one of their roosts at the start or end of the day.
If you would like to see them your self, I highly recommend paying a visit to Kew Gardens (which is near by here), and taking a pair of binoculars. As well as seeing them in the Gardens themselves, if you walk along the tow path by the river where the car park is on the South side of Kew Gardens, there is an island in the middle of the river with tall trees which they like to roost in. They can be seen returning to their roosts on the island every evening (or afternoon during winter).
I personally love to watch them as they are extremely social birds; their gregarious nature and often playful behavior making them very endearing and interesting birds to watch!
All images (C) Leo Stachowicz 1999-2005
Please send any comments,suggestions or questions here