Ring-necked parakeets - once an exotic rarity - are now making themselves at home in two very different green spaces in the West Midlands.
In Shard End, Birmingham, the Norman Chamberlain Playing Fields within Shard End Park have quietly become one of the Midlands’ largest parakeet roosts.
Part of the Kingfisher Country Park green corridor along the River Cole, the area also features Shard End Lake, formed from a former gravel quarry.
Wildlife photographer Kevin Whiston has spent years documenting the birds’ arrival and spread. “It might not be the first place you’d expect to find a parrot,” he says, “but they’re here in numbers now.”
Watch the video to hear more from Kevin and the work he is doing to track the species across Birmingham.
Meanwhile, in Halesowen, Leasowes Park- a Grade I listed historic landscape - has become another parakeet hotspot. Local dog walker and photographer Alec Longhurst recently captured vivid images of the birds high in the spring canopy.
“They’re harder to spot now that the leaves are back, but I got some great shots in April and May,” he said.
Read more: Birmingham's parakeet population soars in 2025: Exotic green birds surge in gardens and parks
The male parakeets’ distinctive pink and black neck rings develop around 18 months old, making them instantly recognisable. Originally from Africa and South Asia, the birds are believed to be descendants of escaped pets.
Their booming numbers raise questions: some conservationists worry about competition with native species, while others see them as a sign of how nature adapts to human-altered landscapes.
For now, these green invaders are drawing in birdwatchers, photographers, and curious residents alike - from Shard End to The Leasowes, just 1km northeast of Halesowen’s town centre.
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1. Parakeets in the West Midlands
For now, these green invaders are drawing in birdwatchers, photographers, and curious residents alike - from Shard End to The Leasowes | Alec Longhurst
2. Soaring parakeet roost in Leasowes Park
Young parakeets at Leasowes Park in Halesowen. The distinct pink and black neck ring on male ring-necked parakeets typically develops around the age of 18+ months. | Alec Longhurst
3. Parakeets in the West Midlands
For now, these green invaders are drawing in birdwatchers, photographers, and curious residents alike - from Shard End to The Leasowes | Alec Longhurst
4. Soaring parakeet roost in Leasowes Park
For now, these green invaders are drawing in birdwatchers, photographers, and curious residents alike - from Shard End to The Leasowes Park | Alec Longhurst