Long-Tailed Tits are restless birds and very hard to photograph. One comes out of the bushes and perches attractively on a twig, and you press the shutter just as it decides to move on.

At least it stayed in the frame this time, though it is a bit blurred by motion.

Even Nuthatches, active as they are, stay still for longer. This one paused on its way down to take a pine nut off the railings of the leaf yard.

And Blue Tits are easy subjects. They may be very common, but they are so beautiful that they deserve a close look.

The Tawny Owl was on his balcony, just waking up when I came past in the late afternoon to catch him with the low sun shining on his feathers.

But as usual, a sunset visit to the Little Owls' tree didn't reveal them. I really think they are still there, but staying inside and only emerging to hunt at dawn and dusk -- or maybe a bit later.

A pair of Moorhens were exploring a half-sunk skiff in one of the small boathouses.

Last year a pair of Coots built a nest here, and I think may have raised some chicks successfully, as there were a couple of them around this area during the summer. The Moorhens may well have been looking for a secluded nest site. If they do nest, the people who run the rowing training scheme that uses these skiffs will not be allowed to disturb them until the chicks leave the nest. These people neglect their boats for months at a time, and it is not surprising that birds take advantage of this sheltered place with direct access from the water.

A Greylag Goose was washing itself on the edge of the Serpentine with great vigour.