At first glance, this tree in London looks lush and full of green leaves. But take a closer look — what appears to be foliage is actually hundreds of parakeets.
These brilliant ring-necked parakeets, with their vivid emerald feathers and piercing calls, have become an iconic part of London’s urban wildlife. Originally thought to have escaped from captivity decades ago — possibly from film sets or pet aviaries in the 1960s — these tropical birds have adapted remarkably well to the city’s mild climate.
Today, their population numbers in the tens of thousands, thriving across London’s parks and suburbs. As evening falls, they gather in massive flocks that fill the sky with noise before settling onto trees, turning the branches into living, fluttering tapestries of green.
For a moment, it looks as if the trees themselves have come alive — glowing softly beneath the city lights, whispering the wild echo of faraway rainforests.
Leave a Reply