Wednesday 27 February 2019

Only a brief visit to the park today, and then off to St James's Park to try to find the Tawny Owls.

There was a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a tree in the woodland on the east side of the Long Water.


Two pigeons were necking in a very energetic way that looked more like a wrestling match than an amorous display.


The one on the right seems to be a racing pigeon that has lost its identification ring, but has kept its owner's telephone number on a ring on the other leg. I got all the number but two digits, and have contacted the Royal Pigeon Racing Association. (And yes, it is royal: the late Queen Mother raced pigeons.)

A Cormorant on the Long Water washed while oddly holding a bit of bark in its beak.


A Mute Swan inspected a baby in the Italian Garden.


This swan was chased here by the dominant male, who was standing proudly on the island made for his mate to nest on.


The banished swan can get back on to the lake when it wants, but has to wait till the coast is clear.

Spring blossom swayed gently in the breeze. A Wood Pigeon enjoyed it for a more practical reason.


A Rose-Ringed Parakeet had the same idea.


The first leaves are just beginning to appear on some of the trees beside the Long Water. This is the view looking north from the bridge.


A Grey Heron walked across the top of the waterfall in the Dell. I don't think there are any fish for it in this tiny pool, but there are certainly rats in the surrounding shrubbery.


There were Little Grebes in St James's Park ...


... and I think this Black Swan is our old friend, judging by the shape of the white bar across the top of the bill.


Two adult Tawny Owls and two owlets were visible in a plane tree, but they were very awkwardly placed, facing in various directions and obscured by twigs. One of the owlets was next to an adult ...


... and the other was by itself higher up the tree, only photographable from the back.


One of the adults was reasonably visible from the front ...


... but it was only possible to get both of them facing sideways.


We may get better pictures later. Tom stayed in the park to have a go.

4 comments:

  1. Nice to see tawny owls photo's again
    can you say where about in park they are?

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    1. I think it's unwise to do so on a public blog. Please email me -- the address is at the top right of the page.

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  2. Yaaaay Tawnies! So happy to see so many pictures of them.

    I am not entirely sure about that Swan's intentions. There are no documented cases of carnivore Swans, I hope.

    Did our beloved Black Swan come near to say hello?

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps that baby will grow up having nightmares about swans, like Freud and the eagle.

      The Black Swan was busy with some people on the shore, and I only caught a quick picture when she looked away from them. I don't think she saw me. The light was behind me and there were hundreds of people on the bridge.

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