Thursday 6 August 2015

The two Jackdaws who spent most of their time near the bridge had been driven away by the disturbance of the repair works, but now that the job is nearly finished they are back, and were examining the bark of a tree for any insects that might be in the cracks.


The Great Crested Grebe family on the Long Water have established themselves under the willow tree opposite Peter Pan. It offers better cover than their nest in the reeds.


Even the noisiest and most demanding grebe chicks have to rest sometimes. The family at the Serpentine island were enjoying a moment of peace.


A half-grown Moorhen turned up on one of the Italian Garden ponds with one of its parents. It is still just small enough to be able to run across a mat of algae without sinking in, but only if it keeps running.


A second black and white Mallard has appeared -- the first one has noticeable white streaks behind its eyes. This one seems to be a drake, as you can see some traces of green iridescent feathers on its head.


This year's young Black-Headed Gulls are growing up fast, and already have patches of adult grey feathers on their backs.


The speckled Blackbird near the Italian Garden was in a hawthorn tree, loudly scolding a Magpie in an overlooking tree. Possibly there is a nest here, though I have seen no other sign of it.


The male Little Owl was at the top of last year's nest tree.


One of his owlets was in this year's nest tree, in a dark corner under the canopy of leaves.

6 comments:

  1. Sleeping grebes have to be one of nature's most appealing sights. The way they rest their heads back into the pillow made of their own plumage is overwhelmingly lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I were better at sewing I would make some bedroom slippers like a pair of sleeping grebes.

      Delete
    2. Ralph, you could make a fortune on Etsy selling those...

      Delete
    3. I'm sort of speechless! What a wonderful concept. Maybe the RSPB could get them into production!!!! I know I'd buy a pair in a trice. :)

      Delete
  2. i would quite seriously buy a pair for my mum for Xmas, so get going, please! ("Stitch, stitch, stitch, in poverty, hunger and dirt...")

    ReplyDelete