Thursday 13 June 2019

A female Blackbird near the Italian Garden found a worm to feed her fledgling, but the young bird was out of sight, so she called to it.


Another Blackbird looked for worms under a bush near the bridge.


One of the young Pied Wagtails at the east end of the Serpentine searched for insects in wet grass near the Dell.


The other was on the edge of the water at the Dell restaurant.


Swifts zoomed over the Serpentine.


When they execute a screaming tight turn they keep their head horizontal, something a human fighter pilot couldn't manage.


A Dunnock sang in an olive tree near the Lido.


A Wren hopped around furiously, scolding a Magpie near the bridge.


The dark grey day had caused one of the gas lamps to come on -- they are switched on by photoelectric cells in a strange blend of ancient and modern -- and a Magpie with broken tail feathers warmed itself on the chimney. A young one clung to a glazing bar.


It is not clear why this Wood Pigeon likes perching on the pedalos, but it's often there.


Coots' liking for outboard motors is almost equally mysterious. Perhaps they're attracted by the bright yellow propeller guards.


The Coot at the Dell restaurant had found a shockingly illegal plastic straw. Who can say how many tons of carbon dioxide this hideous object has added to the atmosphere?


The young Coots at the boathouse are growing fast. They can feed themselves, but occasionally a parent gives them a bit of water weed.


The Greylag Geese with six goslings bring them up to feed on the grass at the edge of the Serpentine. Another pair with one gosling can be seen in the background.


One of the young Egyptian Geese, now almost fully grown, reclined tidily on the shore.


A pair of Gadwalls rested on the other side of the lake.

8 comments:

  1. Great catch of the swift doing a turn. And what fliers!

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    Replies
    1. As Eric Newby said of them, 'more than alive'.

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  2. Impressed by the Swift shots, not an easy bird to catch in flight, well done.

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    1. Blind persistence. I threw away over 80 dud pictures.

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  3. Wonderful pictures of the Swift! Simply perfect.

    I don't know what it is about Coots and motors, but bearing in mind the Coot's knowing look it must have something to do with their plans for world domination.

    Pastic Straw Coot must be feeling rebellious. Or perhaps there is a simpler explanation and it just likes the pretty colour.

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    1. I'm sure you're right about the colour. But I like the idea of a secret society of Coots hoarding plastic bags and straws and plotting to take over.

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  4. The swifts were being very obliging yesterday evening by the Round Pond, flying low and slow, and very close! Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me...

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