The Great Crested Grebe family appeared again at the Serpentine island, in the middle of a large flotilla of Greylag Geese, which didn't seem to disturb them. I could only see three chicks, but it is impossible to be sure when they are being carried on a parent's back.

There are three young Reed Warblers near the bridge, not two as I thought. They appeared simultaneously in different parts of the reed bed.

In the top of a tree near the Speke obelisk, a young Goldfinch, still without the adult's red face, was picking the seeds out of a fruit.

The two Little Owlets were in their usual maple tree. They took a few minutes off from their constant rushing around and sat peacefully side by side.

Their father was some way off on his favourite branch in last year's nest tree.

But these were not the only owls today. There was an open day at Brompton Cemetery (which, oddly, is alo a Royal Park), and there was a small but choice display of owls and raptors brought in by Countrywide Falconry.

There was a charming Barn Owl ...

... and a very pretty little Southern White-Faced Scops Owl from South America ...

... and a majestic Eurasian Eagle Owl, who was feeling the heat in a coat of feathers designed to resist Arctic winters. But the birds were under an awning and had water to drink.

There was a Common Buzzard, who was rather restless. His handler told me that he keeps breaking his feathers, and they keep a stock of last year's moulted ones to mend them with.

The Harris Hawk was much calmer, and perched peacefully on visitors' hands.

They were given a glove, but the falconers, inured to being spiked with needle-sharp claws, let the birds perch on their bare hands.