The Corkscrew Buffet

Better weather brought many regulars into the park, and I have lots of pictures from today. Many thanks to all who are helping to keep this blog alive while I am laid low. Also, apologies for the lateness of this post. I had a load of pictures to sort (but please keep sending them) and my head injury is making me slow and vague.

Several people commented on how the corkscrew hazel in the Flower Walk has become an eat-all-you-can buffet for small birds, which have become much bolder since the cold spell. This is one of the pair of Coal Tits here, photographed by Duncan Campbell.

Joan Chatterley was surprised to find that both Coal Tits and Blue Tits were coming to her hand along with the Great Tits, although they didn't know her. Normally it takes time and coaxing to get them to come. This is her picture of the male Chaffinch of the pair here, which will catch pine nuts thrown up in the air.

There was a Jay here too but, as a change from our single British species, here is David Holland's picture of a Black-Chested Jay, which he took in Colombia.

Ahmet Amerikali got a picture of a Song Thrush near Peter Pan, one of a pair whose male is often heard singing in the leaf yard but is hard to see.

He also photographed this Long-Tailed Tit in the Rose Garden.

Duncan Campbell found a female Pied Wagtail running along the edge of the Round Pond, picking small creatures out of the puddles made by waves breaking over the kerb.

While our Grey Herons dawdle about nesting, as they usually do, the ones in Battersea Park are as regular as clockwork. Joan took this picture yesterday, braving the persistent rain.

The Little Grebe in the Italian Garden was with the Gadwalls as usual. Ahmet, who took this picture... 

... came to the conclusion that this is a two-way relationship and each is stirring up food for the other. When the Gadwall pecks mildly at the grebe it isn't trying to chase it away. It may be saying 'Don't come too close' or 'Start diving and bring up some more.'

Mario photographed the new dominant Mute Swan pair in the Italian Garden. The rejected female flew in and was promptly chased right out of the garden.

Also by Mario: the Black Swan on the Round Pond forced its way into the middle of a feeding frenzy.

Two more wasps to add to the impressive list of Hymenoptera in the park, photographed (a while ago, obviously) in Hyde Park by David Holland. This is the solitary wasp Astata boops ('boops' is pronouced in English to rhyme with 'snowdrops' and the Greek name βόωψ,'ox-eye', was first given to a small fish which, like this wasp, has big dark eyes).

And here is an Ornate-Tailed Digger Wasp, Cerceris rybyensis, looking out of its hole. This solitary wasp hunts mining bees.

Mario found an impressive quantity of Oyster Mushrooms on a fallen tree near the Albert Memorial.