Monday 3 March 2014

The rain didn't deter a Blackbird from singing on the wall at the Lido.


In fact a shower is welcome to Blackbirds, as it brings up the worms. By the way, the extreme wetness of the ground does not seem to have affected the worms, as I often see thrushes of all kinds hauling them out.

The familiar Song Thrush in the leaf yard was also singing cheerfully.


The Great Crested Grebes at the west end of the island were exploring a possible nest site behind the floating baskets.


A gap in the line of baskets makes this place visible from the shore, and there are several branches sticking out of the water which would help to anchor the outside edge of the nest. Grebes can attach nests to the side of the basket by poking twigs through the mesh, but these nests are not very secure and a bit of extra support is helpful.

Nearby, a pair of Gadwalls were cruising about busily. The drake is looking his best at this time of year: soberly coloured but very finely marked.


The male Tawny Owl had come out on to his balcony by 4.15 pm. He was wide awake and stared at me as I moved around trying to find a shot unobstructed by twigs.


One of the Peregrines was on the usual ledge of the Metropole Hilton Hotel.


This is a height of at least 300 ft, so it's impossible to get a clear shot. But it is always a great pleasure to see one of these noble birds (unless, of course, you are a pigeon).

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