More herons have arrived at the island, and the total number in the park is at least twelve. Here are some of them, starting with the three young ones still in the nest.

It was hard to count them, as they were flying around.

Virginia got a fine picture of one of the young herons flapping its huge but still unserviceable wings.

Neil, Will and I looked for the Little Owl but didn't find it. But there was a lesson in how much you can see if you stay in the same place for a few minutes. A Blue Tit was starting to occupy a nest box -- remarkable as these haven't been cleared out for many years. It spent a lot of time in the long grass, not a place where you usually see them.

It emerged with a bit of spider web which it took to the box.

There were also a Robin ...

... a Wren ...

... and a Chiffchaff high in a tree ...

... and several Great Tits and a Blackbird too far away to get a reasonable picture.

Beside the Long Water, two Blackcaps were in dispute over the ownership of a small tree. No chance of getting them both in focus in the same picture.

Both a Pied and a Grey Wagtail could be seen running along the edge of the Serpentine looking for insects.

A Magpie washed in the little pool in the Dell.

The Black Swan, now happily in a relationship, was cruising around the Long Water with her ruffles up looking regal.

A Mute Swan has somehow got inside the fence on the island to make a nest. Hugh will be visiting when he can arrange a boat to see what's happening.

A Mandarin drake trotted along the edge at the Vista.