An adult Great Black-Backed Gull was on the far side of the Long Water. Both adults and young gulls visit from time to time, usually singly, and seldom stay for more than a day. Here it is beside a Herring Gull to show how large it is.

On the Serpentine a Black-Headed Gull was playing with a stick. Another one wanted the toy, and chased it.

A Herring Gull told a Coot firmly that it couldn't have a share of the bit of mouldy pitta bread.

The Black Swan was moving between girlfriends number one and two. It was pointed out in a comment on this blog that Black Swans do sometimes form ménages à trois. But Mute Swans don't, and although the girlfriends are young and silly they won't stand for anything like this. Anyway, girlfriend number one has a new white admirer.

However, as soon as the Black Swan sees anyone who might have food for him he hastens over for his treat. Here Jorgen Schiott feeds him with wholemeal bread -- not an ideal diet but better than white. He takes food very gently and never bites you.

On a dull weekday when there are few people around, all kinds of birds find the Diana fountain enjoyable. The filtered water is good to drink, they can bathe ...

... and they might even find some money.

This Carrion Crow flew off with his shiny 5p piece to deposit it in some secret cache of treasures.

The male of the pair of Great Crested Grebes was guarding the nest under the willow tree by the bridge, repelling a Moorhen and a couple of Mallards. But the fairly large twigs on the nest suggest that a Coot has had possession of it for some time.

Coots usually win these contests. A grebe can easily win a head-on battle, but Coots are very presistent.

There were plenty of Pied Wagtails on the dead grass and mud of the Parade Ground ...

... but so far no interesting migrants. With luck, at least there should be a flock of Redwings soon.

This Blue Tit was one of many in the enclosure on the east side of the Long Water.