Tuesday 6 March 2018

For the third day running, the Grey Herons on the nest on the shore side of the island were standing side by side.


The nest on the other side of the island was also occupied. It can just be seen from the shore.


One of the Great Crested Grebes at the island called to its mate, which was at the other end. They hastened together and had a full greeting ceremony. They really are the most affectionate of birds.


A Common Gull on the shore had a very bright red eye ring. They sometimes have a bit of red around the eyes, but I've never seen one like this before.


The solitary Red-Crested Pochard drake on the Long Water took a moment off from his pursuit of the female Mallard to make himself look smart.


A pair of Egyptian Geese on the Vista were separated by a Magpie, looking like a strict elderly chaperone.


A Pied Wagtail hunted on the Parade Ground. It's easier for the bird to run on a smooth surface, so it chose the edge of the path, looking for insects in the grass verge.


A Redwing nearby dealt swiftly with a large earthworm.


A Goldcrest jumped around in a yew tree near Peter Pan.


There were a lot of Starlings in the leaf yard. They interfere with feeding the small birds, but look very fine.


The bold Wren in the Flower Walk is not disturbed by being filmed.


The Little Owl near the Henry Moore sculpture was out on her balcony ...


... and the owl near the Albert Memorial was in her usual place in the oak tree.


The owls at the leaf yard weren't visible, but the tree where the male sits had a birthday balloon on it. He may very well be nine years old. I have known him for six years, so he's at least seven.

6 comments:

  1. Common Gull looking like it hasn't slept much recently :)

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  2. I thought it was inflamed, but looking closely could see that the red area was perfectly clean and smooth -- just red.

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  3. That Common Gull looks a lot like I do as of this moment, actually!

    How I love the Grebes' greeting display. It always makes me so happy to see it.

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    1. It would be wonderful if people behaved like Great Crested Grebes. Ten minutes' absence, and the result is an elaborate and loving welcome.

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  4. Cracking goldcrest, they never sit still, always moving and hard to nail, well done.

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    1. They are indeed difficult, especially as they are usually in the shade inside a dark evergreen tree.

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