There are now three Grey Wagtail fledglings at the Lido restaurant terrace, calling for food ...
... and being fed brought insects by their parents at a great rate.
Here are some moments from the busy scene.
The Long-Tailed Tits' nest near the Italian Garden has now hatched out, and the parents and a third bird -- maybe an aunt or uncle -- were bringing insects ...
... or flying around looking for more.
If a Long-Tailed Tits' nest is predated the birds often go to help their nearest nesting relative with the brood.
A Greenfinch lurked in the back of the hawthorn tree ...
... and of course the Blue Tits turned up to demand pine nuts. They get into quite a bad temper if not fed soon and often.
A Goldcrest sang in the yew tree near the bridge ...
... and a Song Thrush ...
... and a Wren sang beside the Long Water.
A Mistle Thrush sang from the big gilded cross on the Albert Memorial, studded with giant glass 'jewels'.
A pair of Magpies nattered in a bluebell patch.
As usual the pair of Lesser Black-Backed Gulls were in the Diana fountain enclosure.
Since the fountain was closed to the public it has become a wildlife reserve. The excavations uphill from the watercourse are a foxes' earth, and Malachi has seen them. They must be slim enough to get through the closely spaced railings.
A Grey Heron was fishing on the fallen horse chestnut tree in the Long Water.
The Black Swan was following her Mute mate like a shadow. They haven't made a nest site yet, and may not manage to on the overcrowded lake.
The eight older Egyptian goslings were lined up on the edge of the Serpentine.
There was also a Mandarin drake.
Another was seen on the Round Pond, and two on the Long Water at the Vista. It may be the same ones moving around, having nothing else to do while their mates are nesting, or there may be more than two.
I wonder how Blue Tits show its annoyance. Such common little birds, and yet wholly individual and recognizable characters.
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the Long-Tailed Tit against hte green background is **gorgeous**! I wish I had more intelligent commentary to make on that head, but I shall content myself with squealing in admiration.
One sympathises with the Grey Wagtail parents. The youngsters seem pretty demanding. Can they fly already or are they still earthbound?
I'm not too familiarised with swan courtship rituals, but oughtn't the male be the one following the female around?
The Blue Tits at the Italian Garden shows their annoyance by flinging themselves from twig to twig in a tiny tantrum. But at St James's Park Semiramis stood stock still in the hedge and shouted at me. They are ferocious little birds, quite different from Great Tits.
DeleteYes, the young Grey Wagtails can fly perfectly and pursue their parents.
The Black Swan behaves like a drippy teenager clinging to her first boyfriend, which is exactly what she is.
Great news you now have 3 Grey Wagtail youngsters. Good that the Long-tailed Tits have offspring too. Can't be easy with the frequent cold weather getting insects. On Friday I was watching Yellow Wagtails flying up dead stems taking insects at Ruislip Lido. Managed 3 wagtail species, but both Pied & Grey are regular.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that the Yellow Wagtail recently seen here by Malachi was just passing through and won't be seen again. It is on the park's all-time list but never seen by me.
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