Well, I had a ladybird photograph all ready to post this morning when this guy flew in to feed whilst I was having breakfast! Sorry little ladybird, but you've been usurped. You will get your moment of glory tomorrow instead! Seemingly there are about 1200 of these parakeets in and around the Paris area and it's believed that they were originally brought in from Africa or Asia as pets.
Issi, I'm going to introduce you to an old 365 friend of mine, Andrea @colorfade who's returning to bring us some of her uniquely beautiful photography. She lives in Melbourne, so is no stranger to the parrots the rest of us see rarely and love so much! Andrea, have a look at "well-traveled Issi's" profile! I think you'll enjoy her photos!
Hello Issi :) Ive found you via the lovely @Weezilou who has very kindly pointed me in the direction of her favourite 365ers. The fact your living in France is enough to peak my interest alone! Looking foward to exploring your photos :)
This parrot does look very similar to the many beautiful parrots we have here in Australia. We have many living in the trees in our backyard although I find them impossible to capture as they are very skittish.
Check it out, a wild Indian Ring-neck parrot! I've heard about these characters surviving quite nicely in the various places they manage to escape and begin families once they find a fellow escapee of the opposite sex. Great capture of her helping herself to your bird feeder. I bet she'll won't forget where she found a convenient meal.
@lyndemc I told Andrea @colorfade that you're our resident bird and animal expert! What fun that you recognize this one! We, too, have a flock in Orange County (CA) that are definitely not natives. It's always a thrill and a delight to hear them and to hopefully see a flock fly over! Thanks, Issi, for sharing your locals!
@lyndemc So, is it wrong to call it a parakeet? Also, I notice that you say 'she' ... is this a female, and if so, how can you tell? You were right about her coming back ... my son saw her later in the morning, scoffing peanuts again. I'll need to fill up the feeder!
@jamibann Nope, "parakeet" is also correct. I believe IRNs are the largest of the parakeet family. I wouldn't quote me on that though. (Actually I wouldn't quote me on anything!) I'm guessing that it's a female based on the fact there is no black ring around the neck, a marking very distinct on the male birds. (The girls so often get the bland markings in the parrot world, don't they.) If you keep that feeder filled, you'll definitely be her new BF. Just wait 'til she tells her tribe about you!
@Weezilou lol... I don't know about that 'expert' part. I got lucky and recognized this particular visitor at Issi's feeder. One of the things I've loved about 365 is the introduction to so many different types of birds and animals from around the globe. I have learned just oodles about our Earth's furred and feathered friends here.
What a beautiful color - enjoyed reading all the commentary from Denise and Louise about this bird - and second Denise's comment about how much I've learned about our fine feathered friends from around the world here on 365.
@lyndemc Thanks for the info and taking the time to reply! I did google images of this type of bird, and see that the males have a much more distinct ring around the neck. No signs of her, or her friends, today! Maybe she was just passing through and in need of sustenance!
This parrot does look very similar to the many beautiful parrots we have here in Australia. We have many living in the trees in our backyard although I find them impossible to capture as they are very skittish.