The rapid expansion of brightly coloured ring-necked parakeets across the UK, particularly in London, is causing growing concern among conservationists and frustrating many garden bird enthusiasts. A recent Guardian report on the issue has sparked a lively correspondence from readers sharing their experiences and, in some cases, inventive solutions.
A Flashmob of Feathered Greed
For one west London resident, Stephen Pound, the problem became personal when ‘flashmobs’ of the green birds began descending on his garden bird tables. He described their ‘rapacious greed’ as driving away native bird species, leaving him searching for a way to reclaim the feeders for his long-established avian neighbours.
Pound’s ingenious solution was born from considering the parakeets' tropical origins. “I calculated that the parakeets were of tropical origin and held within their DNA an atavistic fear of snakes,” he explained. By simply draping his feeders with realistic-looking rubber serpents, he achieved an ‘almost instant absence’ of the parakeets, allowing other birds to return and enjoy their food in peace.
Beyond the Garden: A Wider Ecological Threat
The issue extends far beyond bird feeder disputes. Dr Andrew Bodey from Oxford highlighted the destructive feeding behaviour of the parakeets, noting how a flock can rapidly devour the flowers of a tree, leaving a ‘sea of confetti’ below. This behaviour poses a significant threat to fruit farmers and gardeners alike.
Dr Bodey emphasised the broader picture, stating that while the full impact of their continued spread may not yet be fully known, the general detrimental effect of invasive species is well understood. He invoked the adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, suggesting proactive management is crucial to prevent greater ecological damage in the future.
A Historical Culinary ‘Solution’
Adding a darker, historical perspective to the debate, Nigel Walker from Hutton Roof in Cumbria referenced a rather direct solution found in a Mrs Beeton’s cookbook. The vintage recipe, which begins with the ingredient ‘1 dozen paraqueets’, offers a stark reminder of how attitudes towards controlling species populations have changed over time.
The letters collectively underscore a growing public awareness of the challenges posed by non-native species like the ring-necked parakeet. They highlight a spectrum of responses, from immediate, harmless deterrents in private gardens to serious concerns about long-term environmental impact and even historical methods of control.
