A Female Dr Dolittle

[Kkimm]

Why do the English have to be so English?

I can ask that question because I am English.

I was in central London after a work conference and came upon a beautiful scene. A lady was feeding the water birds and squirrels as well as having a green parrot on her arm eating a piece of apple. There was a heron waiting there hopefully also. I noticed everyone walked by without commenting but I started a conversation and found out that she did this regularly. She had feed pellets for the water birds, nuts for the squirrels and fruit for the parrots and was a mine if information about the park creatures. They have naturalised in London and the home counties after escaping from the film set of African Queen at the Shepperton Studios apparently. They gave a touch of the exotic to the scene along with the beautiful gardens with colourful sub tropical foliage. A squirrel sipped rain water from a tropical plant and I could not resist a photo being part of the collage even though the low light levels makes for poor quality image.

I wondered about the presence of the heron as she said that they eat fish, small mammals and amphibians, I did not see any of those being produced from her large hand bag. She said that he joins in the feeding throng every day, forever hopeful even though she does not bring food for him.

I went away from the scene feeling a warmth from our exchange and decided I will make sure I continue to talk to strangers even if I risk embarrassing my daughter now and then.

Kim

[SavingGrace Administrator]

How lovely and what a gentle, glowing experience for you!

Those green parrots I saw in London on a visit also to a park; they are amazing to see aren't they!?

[Kkimm in reply to SavingGrace]

Yes, thanks for your lovely reply

[Shy_Guy]

I had no idea there was so much nature in London. I have never been there so what do I know. It was good to see that there is some. Thanks for sharing.

[Kkimm in reply to Shy_Guy]

Thanks for your reply.