A fourth Grey Herons' nest is going up on the Serpentine island, midway between the two on the landward side. It is well hidden in the foliage, but birds could be seen flying in and out carrying twigs. The nest at the east end of the island is still going, thought at the moment all you can see is the head of the sitting bird. When the young hatch in this nest, there should be fine opportunities for watching their development.
The Mute Swans at the Lido have kept their brood of seven intact, and the Egyptian Geese nearby have kept their eight. These were sitting in a close huddle on the edge of the swimming area. They have grown visibly in the past few days.
After a while their parents took them up on to the daisy-covered bank.
A Grey Wagtail was running all over the ornamental stonework on the Serpentine bridge hunting for insects.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker in the leaf yard was drumming loudly and insistently.
An adult Tawny Owl was visible in one of the horse chestnut trees in front of the nest tree. In the nest tree itself, two owlets could be seen; probably the rest were nearby hidden in the thick leaves.
Thank you so much for keeping me up to date with news of the swan family - as well as my beloved Egyptian geese. I am particularly grateful this week, when I have had so many other, less delightful, tasks to accomplish. Did you really get the photo of the greater spotted woodpecker today too? Whou!
ReplyDeleteNo, I confess to having taken that picture earlier. You can't see a thing through the leaves now. But it's the same woodpecker in the same place.
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