MADE IN INDIA

The Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet, found all over the Sub-Continent from Southern India, to the foothills of the Himalayas, has adapted so well to varying climatic situations, that it is becoming an Indian export and global inhabitant !  Found in South Africa too, it can also be seen round and about in London, where the original birds escaped from captivity and have since set up a colony and in Brussels, where it was introduced deliberately, to add some colour to the city !  As with all things Indian, it's an exotic looking bird with emerald green tail feathers.  It's a mimic, copying human speech and even human emotions !  Considered an omen of good karma, by Hindus, it is sometimes featured in tribal embroidery,  as an auspicious symbol.

Here it sits on top of the Indian 'Mast Tree'.  This strange tree, quite unlike anything else, grows vertically upwards, like a ship's mast and appears to have no branches.  Often cultivated as a screen, in front of a house for privacy, it also helps to cut out noise !