Thursday 8 January 2015

Several pairs of Starlings were in the roof of the curious bandstand-like structure on Buck Hill inspecting the eaves.


They nest here in spring, creeping in through gaps between the boards that were put up to stop them from getting in. It is far too early for them to think about nesting, but maybe a mild sunny day has inspired them to stake a claim for a site.

Eight Jackdaws have been seen in front of Kensington Palace, the most since they left the park 47 years ago.


During the long interval, I once saw one Jackdaw in Leinster Terrace, 250 yards north of Kensington Gardens. I wonder whether there is a little colony in a garden around there which is now beginning to expand back into the park. They face stiff competition from the hundreds of Carrion Crows in the northwest corner of the park but, after touring the park for several months, still seem to have decided to live in this area. Probably the lure is the bountiful rubbish in and around Queensway.

Eight Mistle Thrushes were also reported on the Archery Field. When I went there it was down to the usual pair, but there were more in the trees on Buck Hill.


The male Tawny Owl was in his usual tree all day.


One of the Coal Tits followed me from the owl tree all the way down the edge of the leaf yard and to Peter Pan.


But the two will still only take food from the fence, not from my hand. This makes life unneccesarily difficult for them, as larger birds swoop down, frighten them away, and finish off the food. But you can't discuss logical action with a bird weighing 7 grams.

A Carrion Crow was enjoying a bath in the Serpentine.


And a Great Crested Grebe looked at me quizzically as I photographed him.


He is still in winter plumage, though some of the other grebes have been in summer plumage for weeks. You can tell he is male by the broad V of his top crest.

All the seven young Mute Swans flew up the Serpentine together, though I could only get three in the picture.

1 comment:

  1. I love the Grebe shot, unsurprisingly, given my affection for these elegant birds. The fluffy tail end is rather endearing. :)

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