Parakeets take up residence in Norwich gardens and parks

Ring-necked parakeets are a fascinating bird that has been around since the 1970s. They are noisy and gregarious. In 1996, they were playing rugby at Esher. The fly-half scored the winning try. After moving to Norfolk, he started to see them more frequently. He dislikes them, but they are here to stay. He is fond of them in Norwich. It is a remarkable bird. it has a story attached to its arrival and survival in this country.

Parakeets take up residence in Norwich gardens and parks. The ring-necked parakeet originates from India. They are versatile and adaptable, feeding on buds, berries, seeds and nuts.

Jimi Hendrix released his ring-necked parakeets in 1968. The parakes are said to have bred with Adam and Eve and now live in South-East England.

Ring-necked parakeets have arrived in Norfolk. They are a breeding bird and are increasing in number. Some ornithologists have called for a cull. The official government line is that it is not cost effective for the culling. The parakesets are telling a new story of survival in our wildlife depleted cities and towns. It is too early to say whether they are causing a problem or not. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is fighting battles on many fronts. There are worrying indications that the spread of the ring- necked Parakeet is having a detrimental effect on some native birds.