The Great London Parakeet Census: Counting Our Feathered Friends (Without Getting Dive-Bombed)
Ah, the parakeets of London. Those emerald green escapees flitting through the city's skies, adding a touch of the tropics to the urban jungle. But just how many of these little feathered pandemoniums grace the London landscape? That, my friends, is a question that has baffled ornithologists and befuddled birdwatchers for years.
Flocking to Estimates: From a Few to a Feathery Multitude
There have been attempts, of course. Back in the day (the 1980s to be precise), estimates chirped in at a mere 500. About enough to fill a particularly lively school play. Fast forward a couple of decades, and things got more interesting. By 2002, the numbers had apparently soared to a respectable 5,800 in the London area alone. That's enough to stage a West End musical about parakeet power struggles (working title: "Squawk! The Rise of the Renegade Roosters").
But the most recent official count, way back in 2012, pegged the population at a squawking 32,000. Now, that's a flocking good amount of parakeets! Enough to make even Alfred Hitchcock think twice about filming a bird-themed thriller in London (sorry, pigeons, you've been dethroned).
The Mystery of the Missing Numbers: Have Peregrine Falcons Pinched Our Parakeets?
However, there's a little wrinkle in this avian arithmetic. Recent reports suggest a decline in the parakeet population. Apparently, peregrine falcons, those feathered F-16s of the bird world, have developed a taste for parakeet. Maybe they're tired of the same old pigeon takeaway? This has some worried that our emerald friends might be disappearing faster than you can say "Polly wants a passport!"
So, How Many Parakeets Are There Really?
The truth is, we don't know for sure. It's likely somewhere between the tens of thousands and, well, a whole lot of parakeets.
But hey, that's half the fun, right? The mystery, the intrigue! It makes every parakeet sighting in London a little more special. Perhaps one day we'll crack the code, but for now, let's just enjoy the symphony of squawks that these little green gladiators bring to our city.
FAQ: Your Burning Parakeet Population Queries Answered
How to count London's parakeets?
This, my friend, is best left to the professionals. Unless you fancy being dive-bombed by a feathered fury, stick to birdwatching from a safe distance.How to attract parakeets to my garden?
Put out a bird feeder with plenty of seeds and nuts. But be warned, these little guys can be messy eaters and might hog the whole spread!How to tell the difference between a male and female parakeet?
The males have a bright blue band around their beaks, while the females don't. Though frankly, at the speeds they fly, it's like trying to identify a sports car brand during a Formula One race.How to keep parakeets as pets?
If you're considering a parakeet pal, do your research! They're social creatures and need plenty of attention and space. Just remember, these are wild birds, not cuddly companions.How to avoid getting pooped on by a parakeet?
Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed way. But hey, consider it a badge of honor – a reminder of your encounter with London's coolest (and perhaps cheekiest) feathered residents.
