Country diary: Parakeets on my feeder, while I'm on the fence | Lev Parikian

West Norwood, south London: These new kings of the urban jungle divide opinion, but I can't help but enjoy their splash of colour in my winter gardenThe wind relents. Just for a bit, mind. Wouldn't want us to feel settled. Some small birds take advantage of the lull to descend on the feeders. Coal tit, blue tit, robin - performing a group dance with complex, secret moves.A furious squawk, a chartreuse-green flurry, a general sense of agitation. The smaller birds disperse, leaving the feeders free for the interlopers - big kids throwing their weight around in the playground. They land with a clatter and set about their business. Continue reading...