A Chiffchaff sang in the scrub between the bridge and the Vista.
The Cetti's Warbler in this area has been singing loudly for several days, but is hard to see even for a moment and next to impossible to photograph. I had my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on 9 December 2015 -- see here -- and don't expect another.
A female Blackbird was washing in the Serpentine.
A Pied Wagtail caught a midge beside the Round Pond.
At the leaf yard, a Jackdaw looked into a plastic bag which had contained cakes from a café in Kensington High Street. There wasn't a crumb left, but it continued to play with it. An envious Magpie came over but the Jackdaw, now joined by its mate, kept it at bay while the pair enjoyed their game.
The Grey Herons in the top nest of the island were fondly caressing each other with their fearsome bills.
A pair of Great Crested Grebes were having a territorial dispute on the Serpentine. They had a display of solidarity.
So, of course, did the rival pair a hundred yards away.
The two Coots on the right were fighting. Three more rushed over to join them.
A pair of Canada Geese did a synchronised splashing display before mating.
Tom was there and took a video.
The Egyptian Goose family at the Lido had somehow got two of their goslings outside the net and one inside. There are holes in the net, so no doubt they were able to sort things out.
Blondie was keeping a close watch on her brood. When a dog appeared in the distance she quickly led them to the water.
This is the family at the Round Pond. The rule is that when your mother preens, you preen too.
The Mandarins on the Serpentine chased each other.
The Little Owl in the lime tree near the Henry Moore sculpture was out on her usual branch.
A Comma butterfly rested on a leaf near Peter Pan.
Lovely pictures Ralph.
ReplyDeletePleasing that the butterflies are active again.
I was privileged to watch Kestrel's mating at Richmond park on Sunday, with a poor record shot on my blog but I still admire your perfect pictures and writing.
Really helping me learn as a teenager!
Thank you, but I wish my pictures really were perfect. It's a constant struggle to get enough that are even publishable.
DeleteI think the quality is great, particularly in the dark days of winter.
DeleteI was in the park in Friday and saw a pair of Canada Geese investigating the tern raft in the Long Water. I hope they aren't thinking of nesting there - didn't it end badly last year?
ReplyDeleteThe goslings had to be rescued by Malcolm with a net. One died a day later, though whether of injury or shock or by pure chance no one knows. The rest went to the Serpentine and did well. But it would be better if they could avoid this silly site.
DeleteDo we have a lot more tufted ducks this spring or have I not been looking before? There was quite an armada east of the lido this morning. Kim Fletcher
ReplyDeleteYes, numbers have certainly gone up in recent months. I have no idea why. They don't breed on the lake -- apart from one brave but unsuccessful attempt last year.
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