Putney residents who thought they were going cuckoo at the sight of green parrots flying over London have compared sightings and concluded the feathered phenomenon is no hallucination.

Resident Steve Falkus appealed to other locals on a community website for confirmation of the exotic colony after his girlfriend refused to believe his story.

After receiving numerous replies, Mr Falkus said the birds are now seen regularly in West Putney.

He added: "They are bright green, have long thin tails and a distinctive squawk."

There is disagreement over the species. One camp plumps for Wild Indian parakeets, while others say they are Rose Ringed parakeets.

However, most agree that Richmond Park is a regular haunt and possible nesting place.

July 8, 2002 10:00