There has been a Rose-ringed (Ring-necked) Parakeet popping up in Kirkcaldy for a few years. Most sightings have been at Beveridge Park, so when reports of two parakeets at the park were made this week, I decided to have a go seeing them.
This morning, I headed out at six to beat the dog walkers. The park is only 5 minutes drive from my house, so I was soon parked up and heading for the area they had been reported in. There was no sign of the parakeets, but I knew I was in the right spot, as I had been told that they have an ongoing feud with a pair of magpies, and the magpies were very evident.
I hung around in the target area for 10 minutes or so, before deciding to broaden my search. I had hardly taken a a dozen steps though when I heard the distinctive call, and a parakeet flew into one of the trees adjacent to me. It perched for 30 seconds or so, but sadly I could only get blurry photos, as the camera refused to focus through the obscuring twigs around the bird.
When the bird took flight again, it headed at speed across the playing fields. On its way, it was joined by a second bird, but I was unable to confirm if it was another parakeet.
I know they are an invasive species, but I quite like the idea of having a few about.
