Today was relatively mild with a bit of sunshine, and I wondered whether it would bring out the Little Owl at the Round Pond, who has been invisible for several weeks. It did at least bring her up to the back of the hole so you could get a glimpse of her face.
The male Great Black-Backed Gull was also visible, preening on a post at Peter Pan. (Yesterday's close view was of the female.)
Here he is with a Cormorant for comparison. There is almost no perspective in this picture, as it was taken with a telephoto lens which flattens the view. A large adult male can have a wingspan of 5ft 7in (1.7m) and weigh 4½lb (2kg).
Pigeon Eater, a hefty bird but dwarfed by his Great relative, was at the Dell restaurant with his mate. You only see them together occasionally and they show tolerance rather than affection, unlike the two pairs of Herring Gulls on the south side of the lake which often display and moan to each other.
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The Grey Heron in the nest at the west end of the island has been alone for the past three days, but at least we know that it has a mate.
The pair in the middle of the island are constantly together, though not always in the same nest as there is a group of several large ones here.
The heron at the east end of the island was sitting right down in the nest, barely visible so I didn't photograph it.
Jays appeared all over Kensington Gardens. There were two together by the Serpentine Gallery ...
... and a single one at Mount Gate.
Several followed me along the edge of the Long Water, where the usual Robin by the Henry Moore sculpture ...
... and the Wren on the other side of the path could be seen.
The mate of the usual Kensington Gardens Chaffinch followed me from the Flower Walk to the Round Pond, but I didn't see the male.
In the Rose Garden a Blue Tit ...
... and a Coal Tit came out of the shrubbery and followed me along the path. There are pairs of both here. The Coal Tit is most insistent, settling on a bush and giving a quiet cheep to show that it wants another pine nut.
A finely marked Feral Pigeon was strolling around the lake shore, with unusual dark eyes. The left eye has a small patch of the usual marmalade colour, but the right one is completely dark.
The Moorhens in the Dell had been displaced from their favourite rock by the resident Mallard drake. Being larger, he always wins the spot.
The Henry Moore sculpture had the local Egyptians on top. Usually when they are claiming territory it's the female that makes all the noise with her loud quacking, but today it was the turn of the male to utter his hoarse rasping pant before flying down on to the lawn.
What a huge thing he is. It dwarfs even cormorants. No one remotely smaller than he would be safe. No wonder Pigeon Eater looks a bit discomfited.
ReplyDeleteEven half of a lovely face is better than no face. I hope she's keeping balmy and cozy in her tree hole.
Tinúviel
I think that if Pigeon Eater crossed the path of the Great Black-Back he would be eaten himself. These birds are full-out predators and known to eat smaller gulls among many other prey.
DeleteI hope the Little Owl is spending her time during the cold days snuggled up next to her mate, keeping each other warm.
Think the Little Owl may retreat again when the cold nights arrive later in the week, though we should at least get some decent sunshine!
ReplyDeleteA very fine Feral Pigeon.
I suspect the park will be shut again tomorrow?
Let me wish you a happy & healthy 2025. Look forward to many more fine photos & stories of the wildlife on your patch.
The Little Owl was already gone by this morning, not surprisingly. We may not see them again till the spring.
DeleteYes, the park will be shut again tomorrow, at any rate till 2 pm by which time the light is failing. I intend to go to Southwark Park, where Ahmet Amerikali has got some interesting pictures, but of course I don't know my way around it and may not see much. There's always the river bank to visit.
A very happy New Year to you too.
Thanks Ralph. Good luck in Southwark Park.
ReplyDelete