Saturday 17 November 2018

On Buck Hill, a Redwing ...



... and a Mistle Thrush were waiting in the ash tree between raids on the rowan fruit.


A Kestrel circled overhead.


On the ground, a Carrion Crow had found several slices of paprika salami.


In Hyde Park, another crow discovered a dead squirrel.


A female Pied Wagtail sprinted around. They have a grey back rather than the male's black. She prefers the recently disturbed soil, where the lack of grass makes it easier to run.


Several flocks of Long-Tailed Tits were moving through the trees. This one was in the Rose Garden ...


... where a Robin perched on a branch inside the shrubbery.


The Black Swan attended to her beautiful plumage on the Serpentine near the Dell restaurant. I wonder whether the dominant Mute Swan on the Long Water finally lost his temper and chased her away.


Then off to Regent's Park in an unsuccessful attempt to find one of the Water Rails that have been seen there.

A Common Pochard ...


... and a Red-Crested Pochard were washing on the lake.


The Great Crested Grebes in Hyde Park breed late, usually in midsummer, but this year the ones both in St James's Park and here in Regent's Park have bred even later.


Back to Kensington Gardens, where a Blue Tit perched on a twig in the late afternoon sunlight.


Two Little Grebes have appeared on the Round Pond, probably having flown up from the Long Water. Despite its barren appearance the pond has plenty of small fish for them, and Little Grebes sometimes stay here for weeks.


Not all the model yachts on the Round Pond are large, sleek and radio controlled.

3 comments:

  1. I love the contrast between the swift and agile Little Grebe and the slow massive Mute Swan it buzzes by. Such endearing creatures, floating up and down in the water like tiny buoys.

    The Black Swan looks unharmed, and I hope she is. Perhaps they didn't get to fighting and she prudently retreated before it got to that.

    I love that toy ship! Give me low-tech any time.

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    Replies
    1. This clip shows the amazing power and speed of a Little Grebe as it swims up a waterfall.

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  2. Now there's an eye-opener, and no mistake!

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