Stanley Park sees the birth of baby parakeet

There has been more than just sunshine and heat arriving in Blackpool over the last few weeks.
The baby parakeet has been hiding in the tree. Picture: Elizabeth GommThe baby parakeet has been hiding in the tree. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm
The baby parakeet has been hiding in the tree. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm

A baby parakeet has been spotted in Stanley Park by visitors and it is believed to have been born in the park.

The former Gazette women’s editor Elizabeth Gomm, who lives near to the park, has been photographing the birds for a while and explained they have been here for nearly a year. And now even a baby has been spotted.

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She said: “They make a colourful addition to the park. They have been there since September last year and they are quite common in some parts of the UK but not really up here. I had seen four of them on one occasion but it seems to have settled down to two. It was only in early June that I spotted the baby parakeet popping its head out of the tree.”

The parakeet couple have been in the park since September at least. Picture: Elizabeth GommThe parakeet couple have been in the park since September at least. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm
The parakeet couple have been in the park since September at least. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm

Elizabeth, who is now retired, believe they are living more wild than before as they aren’t eating the seeds out of the park’s feeders anymore.

Annabel Rushton, communications manager for the RSPB in the north believes the family of parakeets haven’t migrated from the south saying: “Those that are present in Blackpool are likely to be escapees from captivity.”

Elaine Smith, chairwoman of The Friends of Stanley Park, says it is “absolutely wonderful” they are in the park and that visitors are asking whereabouts the parakeets are in the park adding: “You don’t expect to see parakeets so it’s great.”

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The Indian Ring-necked Parakeet originates from southern India and are common in south England with large numbers in south London.

The Indian ring-necked parakeet is native to south India. Picture: Elizabeth GommThe Indian ring-necked parakeet is native to south India. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm
The Indian ring-necked parakeet is native to south India. Picture: Elizabeth Gomm

They originally lived in semi-desert, wooded or forested areas but have they have adapted to human-modified habitats such as parks.

They are around 36 - 43 cm in length, half of which are the long tail feathers alone.