The Black Swan and the dominant Mute Swan were both still on the Long Water. They seem to have had an encounter with an inconclusive result, as they were keeping a discreet distance apart.
The Black Swan stood on the ice, stretching up his immensely long neck. He is taller than his rival, though much lighter.
He strolled over the ice trying to look impressive, but it didn't work and he fell over. He abandoned the idea, and flapped and skated into a patch of open water.
The boss swan has succeeded in chasing his strayed youngster on to the Serpentine with the others. The swans here were enjoying the absence of ice, flying up and down the lake.
A pair were courting at the Lido.
A little flock of Tufted Ducks cruised by, most of them drakes in their neat black and white breeding plumage.
The pair of Great Crested Grebes could now leave the Vista if they wanted to, as there is enough clear water for them to take off. But they have chosen to stay. The is a slight frost tonight, but probably not enough to extend the ice.
In fact another grebe has arrived on the Long Water. This is not the single one from the Serpentine, and it must have flown into the park.
There is usually a pair of Egyptian Geese on the east lawn at the Albert Memorial. It's quite far from the nearest place they can drink and bathe on the Long Water.
A few days ago we saw an adult Herring Gull in the Rose Garden teaching a young one how to do the worm dance. Now there are two youngsters dancing and successfully bringing up worms.
The Black-Headed Gull Blue 2331 was guarding his territory from his usual post.
Two Grey Herons in a holly tree by the bridge were pointedly ignoring each other.
The single Dunnock was beside the path by the Buck Hill shelter. I think it's female, as males have more grey on their head.
The male Chaffinch in the Rose Garden arrived to be fed.
One of the Coal Tits here will now come to my hand. They spend some time watching the other tits before they decide it's safe.
A Robin perched on a stump in the Dell ...
... and the usual pair were at Mount Gate, the male in a bush ...
... and the female waiting impatiently on the railings.
It was inevitable for Black Swan to stack it walking so confidently on the ice. He's sudden pause and look around as in to say "shit, did anyone see that.." bloody hilarious.
ReplyDeleteSean