There were some Mistle Thrushes and a Song Thrush with them, the latter probably one of the residents that takes refuge in the centre reservation of Park Lane when the funfair has pushed it off its territory. This is another Song Thrush on the grass beside the Henry Moore sculpture, pulling up a worm.
The edge of the enclosure on the east side of the Long Water is becoming a reliable place to see Treecreepers, probably the same pair every time.
The dominant pair of Mute Swans on the Long Water have cleared their lake of intruders again. The male was on the Serpentine side of the bridge, cruising up and down menacingly.
This display, with wings raised and an powerful rocking swimming motion, is called 'busking', which has nothing to do with street musicians and, I think, refers to a 'busk', a framework used to make women's skirts stand out, an ancestor of the crinoline. (Update: No, it doesn't -- see comments below.)
The Black Swan's first girlfriend is still marooned in the Italian Garden, although the adult Mute Swan that was with her has left. As expected, the Black Swan is back with girlfriend number two. This picture was taken at the start of a violent hailstorm ...
... which a Moorhen beside the Serpentine endured stolidly.
The Egyptian Goose family at Bluebird Boats are down to three young. Considering their exposed situation, they have done well to keep these so far.
After a time when the number of Shovellers on the Long Water had fallen to two, another two pairs have arrived. But it has been a rotten year for them. In past years there have sometimes been 200.
A Mandarin was preening his fantastic plumage on a post at Peter Pan.
The Little Owl in the oak tree was visible during a sunny spell this morning, but retreated into the hole when the weather turned nasty and didn't emerge till late afternoon.
I'd never heard of busking swans, Ralph but thanks to your tip, I tried Googling it and found this article. It explains the threatening body language! http://watching-bingley-birds.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/pictures-of-mute-swan-how-swans-attack.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. Did you see Africa Gómez's piece about the Mute Swan on her blog The Rattling Crow?
DeleteNo, but with your prompting, I am on the case! Here's the link for anyone else who is interested. http://therattlingcrow.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/the-mute-swan.html
DeleteJust read a definition of busk that would seem to fit better. It's a old nautical term meaning 'to cruise about'.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Indeed that does make better sense, and also explains the musicians.
DeleteA busking Mute Swan might be expected to deliver a cacophony at best, but will normally have a passable cygneture tune. ;-D Jim n.L.
ReplyDeleteAargh.
Deleteso nice to hear the redwings are back in their ususal spot. must go & look for them. i love the swans menacing pose which i have always called the 'galleon charge'it clearly says LOOK OUT.
ReplyDeleteMark W2
The Redwings were in the small trees to the west of the bandstand.
DeleteInteresting blog as always.
ReplyDeleteBy "The edge of the enclosure on the east side of the Long Water is becoming a reliable place to see Treecreepers, probably the same pair every time."
Where do you mean? If I cross over the bridge, going to West Carriage drive, where do I go next?
I only have time tomorrow to look for Treecreepers or Redwings, which would you recommend I try?
Definitely go for the Redwings -- and the three other kinds of thrush that were in the same place today. It's no good going looking for Treecreepers, they just happen.
Delete