In a city known for Rembrandt, canal houses, red lights, and
marijuana, if you’re lucky you can find something that is quickly becoming just
about as familiar—Rose-ringed parakeets!
A short while ago while Gwaz was Skyping with Anna, our granddaughter,
she got proof-positive. Perched proudly on a branch in the tree nearest our kitchen
window was one of the estimated 10,000 parakeets in or around town (more than double
the amount in 2004).
Introduced during the 1970’s, opinions differ on how the birds
first came to Europe. No matter because they seem to be here to stay. These hardy
devils (found in the Himalayan foothills!) can also be found in Germany, Spain,
Portugal, France, Belgium, and England (with an estimated flock of 20,000 birds
in London alone!) Worldwide, Rose-ringed parakeets have been found in places such
as South Africa, Florida in the United States, Tunisia and Iran.
No comments:
Post a Comment