The Redwings had moved nearer to the bandstand, pushed in that direction by a bevy of gardeners who were blowing dead leaves off the bare earth -- why? however, this pointless act gave a better view of them.

The sunshine started a Blackbird singing beside the Serpentine.

Actually it was out of sight, and this Blackbird was in a tree near the Italian Garden making the 'seee' call that indicates a predator overhead. I couldn't see anything, but the area is regularly visited by Sparrowhawks. By the way, Africa Gómez' blog The Rattling Crow has another interesting article on Blackbird courtship.

The Mute Swans on the Long Water are exploring last year's nest site in the reeds next to the Italian Garden.

This is a poor site, and last year three of their cygnets were eaten by a fox. But they don't have much choice. No wonder they are casting envious eyes on the Serpentine island, the only safe place.

On the Serpentine, a female Swan was chasing away two of her offspring from last year. It's time to kick them out and start again.

A Gadwall drake was preening his quietly elegant plumage on the edge of the Serpentine island.

The familiar Wren in the Flower Walk was creeping around under the bushes, as Wrens do.

But it is much less shy than the other Wrens in the park, and emerged enough to allow quite a close picture.

A second visit to the Tawny Owl found him basking in the late afternoon sunlight.