parakeets

[Blunderbuss]

Anyway as Dunkfield said am just naive also that photo could of come from anywhere couldn't it really anyway

It could have, but it didn't. It was taken in London.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2071911/Parakeets-nesting-outside-Wormwood-Scrubs.html

 

I lived near Uxbridge for a while and these were a regular sight, and that was 10 years ago. They are a rapidly spreading invasive species that is damaging native wildlife. They should be treated like grey squirrels. I think the public, at least in the south east get this. They are on the general licence for good reason. The antis have nothing to do with it, but its a lot easier to justify shooting an invasive pest like this, than some other native quarry which is having a tougher time IMHO.

Edited December 21, 2013 by Blunderbuss

[DrBlox]

... They should be treated like grey squirrels. I think the public, at least in the south east get this..

 

Not really:

 

http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/10467972.Parakeet_campaigners___It_is_completely_unnecessary_/

 

Our flock is 'only' about 30 strong at the moment. They are quite engaging animals (especially watching them nick my cherry tomatoes in my hanging baskets). But I also imagine that our Victorian forebears said exactly the same things about Sciurus carolinensis.

[JKD]

Kent and the SE in general has a huge population of these. They roost in the Kingston/Twickenham area mainly and in my area [NW Kent/SE London] they are seen flying west to roost in large numbers, with some small flocks numbering 30+

Those that are saying don't shoot them clearly have no idea how destructive a bird they actually are, with their nice green plumage and good looks in general.

They can strip the buds off fruit [and other] trees far quicker than our favourite big grey bird. They rob nests, turf out woodpeckers from their holes then use them as their own nest site. They are a non native invasive species that doesn't fit in with the UK ecosystem,,,, hence their inclusion on the GL.

I for one, have shot a few and will continue to do so.

As said in a previous post,,,, they are a magpie in green clothing

If magpies flocked and roosted in the numbers that these do, I'm sure some on here wouldn't hesitate to shoot them !!!

 

Those that won't shoot them should read the above and understand that they are not a cute, cuddly, harmless little green parrot !!!

[Therealchucknorris]

Fuel for the Anti's that's all it is plenty of other stuff to shoot. Anyway as Dunkfield said am just naive also that photo could of come from anywhere couldn't it really anyway let's leave it at that at the end of the day it's not breaking the law so it's down to each individual to decide.

 

Yes but it's not just about 'shooting stuff because it's there', we have paper targets and clay pigeons for that. They're on the general licence for a reason and without proper management a non-native species can very quickly alter local eco systems. Given your location you shouldn't have to worry about pulling the trigger on any of these or having to defend the position about Natural England's decision to authorise the taking to preserve our flora and fauna.

 

It would be worth reading up on it and being prepared to help defend the position of your fellow shooters rather than worrying about any anti's position (which is usually based on how cute and fluffy something is rather than any science behind it). You don't have to like the idea but the licence isn't decided on a whim and ignoring these things will impact on the wildlife for our kids so, in general terms, people need to wake up and wise up.

[Dunkield]

It could have, but it didn't. It was taken in London.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2071911/Parakeets-nesting-outside-Wormwood-Scrubs.html

 

I lived near Uxbridge for a while and these were a regular sight, and that was 10 years ago. They are a rapidly spreading invasive species that is damaging native wildlife. They should be treated like grey squirrels. I think the public, at least in the south east get this. They are on the general licence for good reason. The antis have nothing to do with it, but its a lot easier to justify shooting an invasive pest like this, than some other native quarry which is having a tougher time IMHO.

 

Precisely

 

I will never forgive them for decimating my parents damsons when they were on holiday, they were destined for some home made drink and jam (the damsons that was, not the parrakeets)

[hambone]

 

Precisely

 

I will never forgive them for decimating my parents damsons when they were on holiday, they were destined for some home made drink and jam (the damsons that was, not the parrakeets)

 

On the food and drink theme :- Are they worth eating? size / taste etc. (the parakeets that is, not the damsons).

[Actionpigeons]

Shame on Andy Crow I say won't be many around if people keep shooting them. Got to draw the line somewhere Gentlemen.

A lot of what people think are native species are not in this country.

pheasants, rabbits, collared dove .... I could go on and on.

I don't think I would shoot a parakeet just for the sake of it.

Just my opinion, each to their own

Edited December 21, 2013 by Actionpigeons

[al4x]

It justifies shooting, they are on the general license because of the concerns of their impact on our existing wildlife it is out job to shoot them.

[top shot]

Great comments guys I seemed to see them in Tottenham more now they're roosting on the trees down the train track if shot send some pics be great if we can get some numbers and locations

[DEADLY PLUMBER]

The way they have spread all round London and into the

south east in the last 20 years. I recon give them another

20 years and most of England will have them. I see them in

StAlbans very regular now. The numbers are growing.

They make a real racket and other birds seem to give them

a wide berth. Some bird watchers I know realy hate them.

[FalconFN]

A lot of what people think are native species are not in this country.

pheasants, rabbits, collared dove .... I could go on and on.

I don't think I would shoot a parakeet just for the sake of it.

Just my opinion, each to their own

You are right to a degree but certain species are more problematic than others. Rabbits, although they've been here longer than England has existed, cause many problems which is why they are shot by many people all year round, but collard doves are fairly benign and pheasants would be very rare if millions weren't released every year. Other 'invasive' species like sycamore trees and egrets have a neutral or even beneficial effect on native species whereas signal crayfish, grey squirrels, Japanese knot weed, Himalayan balsam and harlequin beetles do not.

 

I agree that shooting something for the sake of it isn't something I do, or agree with, but the case for shooting parakeets is hard to argue against as they could potentially cause real lasting damage to our native wildlife akin to the effect the grey's have had on the reds.

[LPJA]

 

like alot of other immigrants .........claim benefits and get winter heating allowances

Im with you on that!!!!

[Penelope]

I would argue the fact that Collard Doves are native given that they made their own way into the UK without mans assistance, just like the Little Egret.

 

As for the Ring Necked Parakeets, I work in Staines and see thousands every day, a good number roost in the willows that surround the pond at the back of the building that I manage. They would make a good sporting bird, they fly fast and agile. They are/can be/will be a problem.

 

Supposed to have originated from birds that escaped from Pinewood studios back in the 50's. There are a number of satellite populations around the core SW London/Surrey population.

 

A lot of what people think are native species are not in this country.

pheasants, rabbits, collared dove .... I could go on and on.

I don't think I would shoot a parakeet just for the sake of it.

Just my opinion, each to their own

[caeser]

They are not a native species, so they will only have a detrimental effect on our own species of wildlife. They are considered a pest, because that's what they are. Just because they are a fancy colour doesn't make them any less a pest. Lets not be naive.

Shoot the lot of them for me.

[FatFreddysCat]

Seen them in London but saw them for the first time in Sussex this year.

[GREENGRASS]

I would not mind shooting a few.

Can someone direct them towards Staffs please...

Cannock Chase is not to far from me

[woody walloper]

i collect game from south bucks quite often see them hanging up .

[fse10]

Alot round here in thurrock have a flock may be 50 plus fly around every day have a big wood down the road & think they nest there. Have a few fly over a lake i shoot may try for a few if i'm quick enougth.

[nobbyathome]

see them everyday in orpington they sit on the top of my tree at the bottom of my garden and scream everyday frightens everyother bird away complete pests if only i didnt have close neighbours !!!!!!!!!!

[mossy835]

not seen any down this way,

[woodfordpigeon]

I maybe wrong but I haven't seen any in Cornwall. We are usually the last for immigrants and none indigenous spices. Not complaining we like it the way it is thanks. Happy new year woodfordpigeon

[Bluebar]

I agree, it would not be an exaggeration to say that throughout West London, Surrey, East Berkshire and parts of Buckinghamshire that the population is in the tens of thousands and is firmly established the numbers increasing year on year and moving gradually westwards. I have worked in and around Staines/Heathrow for over twenty six years or so and every morning and evening witness, their very swift flight movements, as flock after flock scream along the contours of the several reservoir embankments in the area to and from their roosts.

Yes, they are impressive, but they are as others have mentioned, non-native and are having an adverse impact in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, I’m unable to shoot them from any local permissions as yet, but that may change in early part of next year.

Woodpigeons, are I think attractive to look at but they’re still a pest to be controlled. Parakeets, regardless of their appearance IMHO are exactly the same.

 

 

Yes but it's not just about 'shooting stuff because it's there', we have paper targets and clay pigeons for that. They're on the general licence for a reason and without proper management a non-native species can very quickly alter local eco systems. Given your location you shouldn't have to worry about pulling the trigger on any of these or having to defend the position about Natural England's decision to authorise the taking to preserve our flora and fauna.

 

It would be worth reading up on it and being prepared to help defend the position of your fellow shooters rather than worrying about any anti's position (which is usually based on how cute and fluffy something is rather than any science behind it). You don't have to like the idea but the licence isn't decided on a whim and ignoring these things will impact on the wildlife for our kids so, in general terms, people need to wake up and wise up.

[Fisheruk]

Shame on Andy Crow I say won't be many around if people keep shooting them. Got to draw the line somewhere Gentlemen.

That's the point. Alien species and all that.

[Footu]

, this isn't untypical in some parts of West London and beyond

 

Beyond like Australia?

On the list so I'd shoot them but haven't seen any in Wales.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Footu

[Fisherman Mike]

i understand your feelings mate, i sometimes feel the same way about jay's. however as any good birdwatcher will tell you these parakeets are a magpie in green clothes and will readily take birds eggs etc. where the numbers are vast they do need to be controlled.

simple as that.

aga man.

Agreed...and I am a fully paid up member of the BTO and the RSPB but I don't want to see non indigenous birds reproducing in GB and imo they should all be eradicated.