Goldcrests are just keeping themselves alive in the frosty spell, though heaven knows how they can find enough insects and larvae. I have been told that these tiny birds burn energy so fast that they have to feed at least every 20 minutes, round the clock. This one was in the dark interior of a yew tree at Temple Gate.
A Blue Tit perched on a dogwood stem in the Flower Walk ...
... and Neil got a good picture of a Great Tit in the same place.
To complete the set, two Coal Tits were in the corkscrew hazel.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was at work near the Albert Memorial.
The fallen fruit under the rowan tree on Buck Hill attracted the usual Blackbirds and Redwings, and of course the inevitable Feral Pigeons. A shy Song Thrush paid a brief visit.
A lovely picture by Virginia of a Redwing landing on one of the rowan saplings.
The Little Owl was hiding as usual.
A pair of Carrion Crows preened each other on the roof of the Serpentine Gallery.
Two black and white and two bronze pigeons were in the crowd at the Triangle car park.
The pigeon-eating Lesser Black-Backed Gull waited for a bathing pigeon to shut its eyes so he could grab it. The pigeon stayed alert, finished its bath, and strolled away.
A Great Crested Grebe loitered among the branches of the fallen willow next to the bridge.
A Cormorant stood on the submerged wall of the water filter below the Italian Garden to dry its wings.
The Mute Swans in the Italian Garden were having a hate session ...
... with the pair on the Long Water, from which they were safely separated by a stone balustrade so no one had to fight.
The male strutted around with his wings raised.
Another picture from Virginia, a spectacular sunset over the Round Pond.
Superb photo Virginia - thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteAgree a stunning sunset. Seemed pretty overcast here.
ReplyDeleteHope the Goldcrest finds enough food-looks to turn milder again. I still haven't found a Goldcrest yet in my travels this year.
I am surprised. The park is full of them. Maybe because there are lots of yew trees? Or because central London is warmer than the outer regions, even in the open park?
DeleteWhatever the reason may be, I am so thankful that they are making it so far into the winter. Birds are miracle creatures always.
ReplyDeleteThat Swan is an impressive specime, and he knows it.
Although we have had short frosty spells in recent winters we haven't had a freeze for long enough to kill many Goldcrests. Their numbers in the park have been increasing as a result.
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