A Black-Headed Gull, probably the one I photographed on 15 October, was again in the pond at the top of the Dell waterfall picking up tiny water creatures.
Even when it was apparently standing still there were ripples around it, and the water was now clear enough for me to see that its little red feet were stamping up and down in the mud just like those of the Herring Gull. Whatever it was eating, this must be the way to bring it to the surface. I looked carefully at it with binoculars but still couldn't see what it was eating.
The Black Swan was back on the Serpentine at the east end. For once it was cruising around quietly and leaving the Mute Swans in peace.
This is a young Great Crested Grebe from the nest on the Serpentine island. It is now almost completely grown up and independent of its parents. It looks very like an adult in winter plumage now, but there are still faint traces of stripes on its face, its eyes are still brown rather than reddish brown, and its bill is pale pink rather than the brownish colour of an adult's.
A pair of Pied Wagtails were hunting for insects in the lichen on the roof of one of the small boathouses. This one, a female, was looking up at a passing insect before leaping out to grab it.
The male Little Owl was sitting very high up in this year's nest tree, screened by branches so that it was impossible to get a good view of him. But at least he gave me a friendly wink.
One of the pair of Coal Tits in the leaf yard is now very bold and will come down to anyone's hand for food.
The other is still nervous and has to be given food on the fence.
While we were feeding the tits, a Jackdaw arrived and sat on the branch of the maple tree waiting for a peanut to be offered -- which of course it was.
There were three young rabbits on the grass by the Henry Moore statue. Here are two of them. One is washing its face with licked paws.
Top 2 photos are in wrong order (just testing us?) Jim n.L.
ReplyDeleteWhoops. Changed. Thanks.
DeleteThank you for your kind explanations of coal tits (and cameras) yesterday. I first visited Kensington Gardens as a small child in 1951, and it is still magical. It is also wonderful to know that there are those such as yourself who follow the comings and goings of bird species and even individuals in the Gardens.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words.
DeleteLoads of parakeets all over the Henry Moore Arch today, living in the tree going right heading towards Lancaster Gate, the black swan was up by themSerpentine Bar and Grill,happily swimming around in the SERPS.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the nest tree with the Owls in it please?
ReplyDeleteStart at the leaf yard, the fenced enclosure with the statue of Peter Pan on its east side. At the southeast corner of this enclosure there is an old battered chestnut tree. Look for the next one, a few yards away to the southwest. Then look for the one after that, at a slightly greater distance and up the hill a bit. It has brambles round its base. This is the Little Owls' nest tree from last year, and the male owl's long-term favourite branch, when viewed from the north side, is at near corner of the tree. One or both of the Little Owls may also be high up inside another chestnut tree adjacent to this on the uphill side, and visible from the north or west side of this tree. This is where they nested this year, and it's where I photographed the male owl today. (By the way, you're commenting on yesterday's blog. It's helpful if you can put queries on the latest post.)
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