watching rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri feed is pure entertainment even when they are eating the chickoos from our own tree.
these parakeets frequent our garden and know just where to find chickoos that are still firm but soft enough to dig into. they must have listened attentively to their parents telling them to take their time and savor the meal.
once they find a fruit to their liking they are not too concerned about us coming near to observe them and take some photos. we move in slowly and are careful not to come too close. they know us well enough that were not going to chase them away so they are happy to oblige us with some harmless mealtime poses.
it definitely is a win-win situation. we have more chickoos than we know what to do with. we eat them plain, in fruit salds, make chickoo shakes, sun dry them etc. give away to friends and family and still have plenty for the birds, bats and monkeys.
many birds with smaller beaks prefer softer more ripe fruit so we make sure some falls to the ground but parakeets (and monkeys) favor their chickoos firmer- and to forage in the trees. the fruit is available year round so there is usually some activity in or under the trees.
while we are always glad to see them, in some places they gather in large flocks so many farmers view their presence far less favorably. nonetheless the species adapts easily to inhabited environments and is thriving and likely even increasing it's range
these parakeets can be raised and kept as pets. not only are they very colorful but they are easy to keep, have a long life span and can also be taught to speak. we admire them in the wild thus we have yet to hear them say thanks for the meal or even goodbye, but you never know what the future will bring.