Thursday 26 April 2018

One of the Great Crested Grebes nesting in the oak tree near the bridge was bringing bits of algae to the nest.


They took a mating break. This video was shot from the bridge, hence the traffic noise.


There's still no sign of hatching at the nest on the island.


A Moorhen walking up the edge of the Serpentine was caught in a tailwind and had one of those Marilyn Monroe moments.


The Coots' nest at the Dell restaurant has survived two windy days, and has been built up considerably. One of the Coots stood up for a moment revealing, I think, ten eggs.


Both Mute Swans were at the nest beside the Lido restaurant terrace. There was a clear view of seven eggs.


A pair of swans were courting on the path near the bridge. The big dominant male was cruising not far away, and being on land made them less likely to be disturbed by him.


Blondie has now lost all her brood. She was back in  her original territory on the south side of the Serpentine, without her mate, looking very sad. It didn't help that this territory now belongs to two other Egyptians, which clearly wanted to get rid of her.


There are still a lot of Gadwalls on the lake. A pair preened on the landing stage at the Diana fountain.


There was just one Mandarin drake here. We haven't seen much of them recently.


In the Lido swimming area, a young Herring Gull played with a plastic buoy.


The Grey Heron in the nest on the island was just visible. On the shore below, five other herons collected around some people who were feeding the swans and geese.


Near the Dell, a Mistle Thrush pulled up a worm.


A Song Thrush was perfectly camouflaged in a patch of debris on Buck Hill.


The shelter on Buck Hill is home to boxing, kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, kendo, capoeira, mindfulness, Latin dancing, peculiar exercises invented by personal trainers, and a man who has to wrestle with his akita to stop it from becoming his boss.

5 comments:

  1. Please try to catch the Akita wrestling; I would like to see that.

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  2. Haven't seen him for a few months. Maybe he lost.

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  3. Poor Blondie. She does look very dejected. I imagine she will try again - and have similar results. Poor, poor thing.

    I didn't know Swans could court on land. I hope you'll get the happy moment on camera!

    The Marilyn Moorhen looks as if it was wearing a crinoline underneath its outer feathers.

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    Replies
    1. If Blondie and her mate could regain the old territory they would have a slightly better chance. She has successfully raised two broods here.

      The swans were only displaying. I don't think they can mate on land.

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