"Bob Hobden" wrote in message ...

"Bertie Doe" wrote



"Bob Hobden" wrote
It's a Ringed Necked Parakeet, also known as the Surrey Parrot. They have
been in the Staines/Wraysbury area for decades and there was a flock
estimated at 4,000+ that used to roost at a rugby club in Esher that has
since changed roosting site as they do. We get them on our bird feeders
occasionally and hear/see them daily. Very difficult to see when the
leaves are on the trees, they do a lot of damage eating tree buds in
winter.

Two legend how they got here...
1. The original one I heard. A bargee had a pair in a cage and one day the
barge started to sink so he let them out.
2. A flock were used in a film at Shepperton Studios, there was a fire and
someone opened the door.
Take your pick.

Thanks, just looked at the RSPB site. In addition to the tree buds, they
eat nuts, berries and fruit. As you say, 4000+ birds can be destructive.


/There are some interesting videos with sound here....
/
/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Rose-ringed_Parakeet#intro

Very tuneful, I can understand why some folk want to ring their necks -