Where Are They?

For the 1st time in 5 years there seem to be no Ring Necked Parakeets living in Talbot Village. The hard winter may have driven them elsewhere, or perhaps they simply didn't survive?

Huge numbers of these tough blackbird-sized birds live in London and their characteristic call has become part of the recognised soundtrack to sitting in a West London garden. Bright green with a red beak and a black collar around their neck these fast-flying sociable birds from India are easily recognisable even in silhouette with their narrow wings and long tail. They are expert fliers, fast and manoeuvrable they call to each other often and loudly, roosting in family groups or even vast flocks as in a Richmond playing field in London.

A flock has been resident in Studland near the Bankes Arms for many years and can often be seen from the pub garden. They are an established resident bird from as long ago as the 1950's in the British Isles, but the St Marks flock are the only ones I know of in Bournemouth.

I have seen up to 5 of these birds at once here, they have often flown over the house but have never visited our bird tables or landed any where near, although I have seen them high up in trees in the woods around St Marks Church and School area.

This year, alas, they are either very shy, or they have gone.

The Blue and Gold Macaw that flew over our house early last summer and then landed in the tree in the Vicarage front garden in Alton Road, apparently is a free-flying pet belonging to a 'bloke in Kinson', whoever he is, he is to be applauded for allowing such a valuable animal to enjoy such freedom. Anyone who has ever seen parrots and parakeets flying will know how much they revel in flight, carrying out elaborate displays and manoeuvres at high speed with huge exuberance and flair. Its great to see such a bird flying around in Talbot Village - it drew quite a crowd in front of the vicarage.