Update: Virginia thinks this is a different pair of Egyptians. But I had a careful look around the pond, and couldn't find another pair with young ones. Will visit again tomorrow and try to find out what is happening.
Three Mute Swans were circling over the Serpentine, gaining height for a journey. They flew away westwards.
Possibly they sensed the approach of frosty weather and were going up the Thames, where the current keeps the water from freezing. But the resident swans in the park know that the ice will be broken for them by the kind people at Bluebird Boats.
The Black Swan was still with girlfriend number one. He has been very peaceful for the last few days. I arrive expecting to get a picture of him chasing or pecking another swan, and find him just cruising around making happy squeaky noises.
A Cormorant was having a particularly vigorous wash near the island.
At the bridge, a Coot was inspecting a plastic bag, probably to see if it contained anything edible.
Coots don't use plastic bags as nesting material, apart from small brightly coloured bags that they like as decorations. Great Crested Grebes use bags to reinforce their nests, which are much less strongly made than Coots' big twiggy constructions.
One of the Little Owls in the oak tree was guarding the nest hole against some nearby Stock Doves. Its appearance on a sunny day had attracted a small crowd of photographers and general admirers, whom it regarded tolerantly.
The Little Owl near the Henry Moore sculpture was also looking out of its hole, but was as shy as ever and went back inside as soon as I took a step off the path.
There was a Goldfinch -- just one -- in the top of a tree near the Queen's Temple.
A Nuthatch was climbing about on a big oak tree inside the leaf yard.
And there was a Dunnock hopping around unobtrusively on the ground underneath. In spite of several people standing nearby, it came out in front of the fence for a few seconds.
Two Coal Tits were chasing each other through the bushes, but stopped to come and be fed.
Ralph, I tested your digestives tip today, with a *top of the range* packet of Hovis brand biscuits. And I can tell you, they went down a storm with the Mute Swans of Henley on Thames! That's the way to curry favour with swans, just as you said. Cathy
ReplyDeleteHere, the Black Swan is no longer satisfied with one, and wants two.
DeleteWhy does that NOT surprise me?!
DeleteIt could be argued that the Black Swan wants two of everything, including girlfriends!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear the Black Swan's voice. Your description makes it sound very appealing and soft, compared to the almost grating voice of the mute swans.
Squeaky noises? Has the Dark Prince been domesticated?! :-)
DeleteYou can hear Black Swan calls here:
Deletehttp://www.xeno-canto.org/explore?query=black+swan
Wow, thanks for the link! That's a surprisingly musical and agreeable voice.
DeleteThank you for another great series of park bird photos and notes. The side lighting on a few of the portraits is lovely and dramatic. The cormorant bathing is wonderful too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Low slanting light is unavoidable in winter at 51°N. You just take your pictures and hope they work.
DeletePlease keep us informed on the welfare of the Egyptian Gosling/s.
ReplyDeleteI have determined (hopefully) that I will spend at least an hour tomorrow (between meetings) in the park and would be grateful if you could tell me where the best place is to see our Afrotropical youngster.
Kindest regards
Michael
P.S. my office has taken quite an interest in the well-being of the out-of-season bundle of fluff.
Well, you will have seen today's blog. The single one wasn't seen, but there were five others. They are at the Round Pond, usually on the east side. Hurry while stocks last.
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