The strong wind didn't deter a Chaffinch from singing cheerfully beside the Long Water.
A Blackcap is often heard singing in a holly tree a few yards north of Peter Pan, but he's very hard to see. He came into view for a moment.
His mate was with him.
The Long-Tailed Tits at the southwest corner of the bridge were diving into the brambles where their nest is. Yesterday I saw one of them carrying an insect, so it looks as if all is well with the nestlings.
A Blue Tit in the corkscrew hazel in the Flower Walk wanted feeding, and came to take several pine nuts.
This is the mate of the bold Robin at Mount Gate staring suspiciously out of a bush. But it did consent to take a couple of pine nuts thrown on the ground.
A Jay beside the Long Water applied for a peanut.
Tom was at Rainham Marshes, where he got an excellent picture of a male Redstart.
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The Grey Heron in the nest at the east end of the island was standing guard over the chicks. They still haven't appeared over the edge of the nest, but it's clear from the parents' behaviour that they are there.
The other heron of the pair was down on the edge of the island, where a tussock of grass in one of the wire baskets makes a comfortable place to stand.
The Coot chicks in the Italian Garden were back in the nest being fed.
The Black Swan and his mate returned to the reed bed east of the Lido.
He went out to show off by chasing away another swan.
The Mallard at the boathouses still has six ducklings. Here are four of them skittering along the edge.
But the Egyptians at the boat hire platform are down to two.
However, the single survivor at the Lido is still all right, and has grown visibly. It would be unwise to trust that it will get through until it's large enough not to be snatched by a Herring Gull.
A Grey Squirrel walked surefootedly down a vertical tree trunk. Their straight claws can hold them on facing either way.
A Buff-Tailed Bumblebee browsed on currant blossom at Mount Gate. (I haven't altered this picture except to crop it. The flowers really are that colour.)
It's the twelfth anniversary of the first post on this blog, on 6 April 2012.
Congratulations on the 12yr milestone Ralph, to many more!
ReplyDeleteI’m Currently in Antalya, Turkey - 28degrees. There are Sparrows everywhere!
Sean
Yes, a good record indeed !!..it has brought much joy to many people ....hope the Egyptian gosling DOES make it !..regards,Stephen.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your good wishes. Glad I started the blog in spring. It was a hopeful season and carried me through the early days of trying to get more than a handful of readers.
DeleteCongratulations on the twelfth anniversary. I used to visit the park daily but had to move away. I read your blog daily and it’s a wonderful way to keep up with the wildlife that I loved so much. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Thank you, and also thanks for following the blog.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to spend a few hours with you today on your anniversary. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteAkways a pleasure to go round with a fellow birdwatcher.
DeleteI need a contact address to send you a few images I took with you Ralf please.
ReplyDeleteThe address is at the top right of the web version of the blog. It doesn't appear on the simplified phone version.
DeleteThanks Ralf. I see
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