Pandemonium in Somerset?

by Jeff Bevan · Published 28th June 2024 · Updated 23rd June 2024

Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) – London, UK. ID IMG_8730

London Parks

It all started in wooded parks of our capital city. After regular escapes one or two birds from captivity they found each other in the relative warmth of London. They found lots of old trees in which to nest, and roost in the winter. These dusk roosts became known a pandemoniums.

They also found tourists handing out free food, and locals filling bird feeders in their gardens.

A couple of weeks ago I travelled into the smoke for a work meeting, but with a couple of spare hours I headed down to the parks to find the parakeets. I was not disappointed as they were easy to spot in St James and Hyde Parks.

Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) – London, UK. ID IMG_8699

The jury is out on whether they cause harm to our native wildlife. Sadly, this does not stop some people making up their on minds by cherry picking rumours and mis-information to inform their opinions. A sadly familiar story. Luckily, there are others interested in doing proper research so hopefully we will find out soon.

Soon these bright green immigrants may find themselves on the front line.

Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) – London, UK. ID IMG_9378

And finally…

In recent years there have been confirmed records in Somerset.

Bedminster, Oldland Common, Willsbridge Mill in Bristol
Taunton
Highbridge, Brean, Berrow
Cheddar, Wells, Frome
Weston-super-Mere, Clevedon, Portishead
Bath
Exmoor

Obviously, most people will not report their sightings. So it is likely that they could be found all across Somerset. If this is case perhaps the best places to look is our city parks with old trees for nesting and winter roosts. Soon we may have our own local pandemonium.