These have been popular as pets in the UK since Victorian times and it is inevitable that some of those kept as such escape. However, they only started to breed here in 1969 (according to RSPB) in north Kent, to the south-east of London. They are now widespread across London and the Home Counties and there are reports of them in Scotland and Wales.
They are loud, and seem to deter other native birds, so are not universally well liked; they do look very striking, however, and our visitors always seem very impressed we have them in the garden!
Thanks for all your comments in recent days - always appreciated.
Same story in the Netherlands, apparently the climate suits them and they find enough to eat... I had a couple visiting my garden for a few years, not any more sad to say ... you’re lucky
They are beautiful birds, but I suppose they are rather noisy when in a large gang.
I have just put out some bird seed for our regular visitors of rainbow lorikeets and little corellas and they are making a terrible racket at the moment.
A good shot - I got quite a shock when my youngest daughter and I went exploring Richmond and there were lots of these birds. Not what I'd expected at all.
@fbailey Felicity, after lots of pondering I went for a Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di VC USD as this was the affordable option and the reviews were good. I am pleased with it.
I have just put out some bird seed for our regular visitors of rainbow lorikeets and little corellas and they are making a terrible racket at the moment.
Ian