Parakeets in Enfield may have been in London since 1800s
By Paul Dicken
Monday 7th January 2008

The sighting of parakeets in the shade of Enfield's Civic Centre has sparked some investigation and lead to the discovery that these particular parakeets are likely to have been living in Britain since the 1800s.

Further pictures, taken by Christine Matthews, have emerged of parakeets feeding from a bird table in Oakwood, identified as the rose ringed or ring-necked parakeet.

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said: "They like living near people and nest in cracks and crevices in trees.

"They are common across India and the Himalayas, so they can easily cope with our chaotic climate. They feed on fruit, seeds and berries so can easily find food here."

[Read on at ... http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/...ince_1800s.php ]

Now that's wild - pardon the pun.

I don't know what to think. I know you guys in the States have these issues as well - in the southerly states & also on the East coast with the Quaker & the West coast with the Conure & in the Orient with all sorts. But I also know that the local animals are often put into stress when another species comes into their territory - look at America, NZ & Australia for pet's sake.

I definately am against allowing the lease of birds into the system when they aren't part of it. Not only for their welfare but the welfare of the local animals & birds.

I agree that sometimes alien birds are a problem, but I would not destroy them. In South Africa there is a problem with Indian Mynah, they are nasty to the indigenous birds and the summer visitors.

In England there was also a duke that free flew his parrots, some people say that these birds started populations although I cant remember his name.

The parakeets have been there for such a long time maybe they view them as indigenous birds to the area now.