The eight Egyptian goslings have survived another day. They emerged from the shelter of their mother and she led them to the grass to feed.
A pair of Mute Swans seemed to be settling down in the reeds east of the Lido. This site has been successful before, and was used by the boss swan two years ago before he took possession of the Long Water. The male swan at the back had only a metal ring, and I couldn't see what the female had.
This one by the island is a 'Polish' swan. That doesn't mean that it comes from Poland, simply that this strain of Mute Swan with pale legs was first observed in Poland. The most remarkable thing about them is that they have white cygnets rather than the usual grey ones.
Mallard drakes chased each other at the island.
The trio of the Gadwall drake and two Mallards, not seen for some time, were at the Lido.
The female Grey Heron flew into the nest at the west end of the island to join her mate. The pair seem to be quite enthusiastic about nesting, but we've seen plenty of false starts before.
The dominant Black-Headed Gull at the landing stage was swimming around yelling at rivals, and occasionally chasing them off.
The female Pied Wagtail, hunting near the Dell restaurant, saw her mate flying past and streaked after him, twittering.
Great Tits, Blue Tits, one of the Coal Tit pair and the usual Chaffinch were waiting in the cercis bush in the Rose Garden, looking like exotic fruit on the bare twigs.
The Coal Tits ...
...and Blue Tits also appeared in the rose bushes ...
... and there were Blue Tits in the cedar on the north edge. There are almost as many Blue Tits as Great Tits in the Rose Garden area, in contrast to the rest of the park where they are in a small minority.
The Long-Tailed Tit pair at the northwest corner of the bridge were low in the bushes, looking for feathers on the ground to add to their nest.
The Robin at the southwest corner ...
... and the one by the Buck Hill shelter came out to be fed.
A Wren was making a loud fuss in the undergrowth near Peter Pan.
A Carrion Crow waited on the stonework of the Italian Garden ...
... and a Jackdaw perched on a nearby bench commemorating three dogs, Topsy, Scarlett and Chloe.
Until two years ago a contribution of £10,000 would get you a bench with your chosen words carved prominently on the back which would last for decades. Now the same amount will only get you a mingy little brass plate screwed to a bench, barely legible, which will be removed in ten years if you don't pay up again. It's always about money here.
I don't want it to sound like a morbid question, but what sort of words did people usually choose to have carved in the benches? I almost envisioned epitaphs.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think Mallards are violent beyond beyond their means.
Tinúviel
Yes, many of the inscriptions are epitaphs that would not be out of place on a tombstone. Some are quite unusual: in the Rose Garden there is a bench for Anuran Bevan (that's a Welsh name and nothing to do with him not having a tail) who died on the spot where the bench stands. A few of the inscriptions are for birthday presents to husbands or wives. or from foreign visitors who loved the park, but mostly the tone is quite sombre.
DeleteYour film of the Egyptian Mother Goose and her goslings is wonderful. Just loved to see them!
ReplyDeleteShe seems to be a very superior bird. Not just for child care skills but because she has learnt the worm dance.
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