Another Moorhen sat in an odd posture on the edge of the Serpentine.
The Great Crested Grebes from the island were feeding their chicks. Two of them tried to grab the same fish.
This is the only picture I could get that shows all three chicks.
A pair of newly arrived grebes were trying to establish a territory on the Serpentine, displaying to each other, dredging up bits of weed, and threatening the nearest pair of grebes. They would be better advised to try the Long Water, where there are more places to nest. They may find their way there.
This is the family on the Long Water with two chicks, as usual on the east side and visible from Peter Pan.
The Little Grebes were in their usual place on the west side of the Long Water, hidden from closer view by the reed bed behind them. One of them cruised past a Coots' nest.
The new Grey Heron chicks on the island are a boisterous pair.
They have a splendidly gormless look.
Virginia sent this pleasing picture of one of the Tufted ducklings, which had come ashore.
The male Little Owl at the leaf yard was on what is unfortunately his favourite branch at the moment. It may be fine for him but it's not too good for the photographer.
One of the Coal Tits at the soutwest corner of the bridge came out on an elder tree.
A Comma butterly settled for a moment on a leaf beside the Long Water.
Above it, a buddleia bush attracted a White-Tailed Bumblebee.
A classical busker was earning well in the tunnel under the bridge. The place has impressive acoustics, but unfortunately amplifies the bustle as well as the music. The performer has chosen a transcription of the Allemande of the first cello suite, perhaps feeling that Bach's solo violin music is a bit tough for the Saturday crowds.
I think I saw a Woodpecker and a Jay perching together about two feet apart on a sapling, near an oak infested by processional moths, near the Speke Memorial on Saturday 21 July at 6am. I imagine that they were both interested in the same food, and ignoring each other. The woodpecker was attached to the trunk inspecting it, but not drumming. I was surprised that the woodpecker was unconcerned at a human being only about ten feet away.
ReplyDeleteAlso surprised at the casual woodpecker. Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers are usually very shy. Wonder if they can eat Oak Processional Moth caterpillars without being affected by the toxic hairs.
Delete'Bach in the tunnel' I take to be a delicate illusion to Flann O'Brien's 'A Bash in the Tunnel'; I wouldn't want you thinking it went unnoticed . . .
ReplyDeleteBach would sound like a miracle even inside a tunnel!
ReplyDeleteI always find it a bit sad to see classically-trained musicians busking. It is an honest job honestly done, but still.