The pair of Egyptian Geese in the Italian Garden have produced eight goslings. These had absolutely no chance in the paved garden without any cover, so they had to be rescued and moved to the Long Water to take their chances with another pair of Egyptians, the Canada pair and the boss Mute Swan and his mate, all of which are hostile and dangerous. But there was nothing else that could be done for them.
The Canadas who were routed by the dominant swan pair yesterday have returned to the nesting island, which the swans have failed to occupy to keep them away. It looks as if there will be another fight, or a whole series.
The Egyptians at Fisherman's Keep still have their six goslings, which have now grown to a size to be out of danger from being snatched by gulls.
A pair of swans started to make a nest behind the boathouse railings. Their idea of a nest is a pile of any old rubbish they can collect, and a paper cup is as good as anything.
A pair of Coots were starting a nest on a chain between posts at the island. They lay crooked twigs over the chain, and after a while these interlock and provide a firm base.
A male Great Crested Grebe on the Serpentine preened his fine plumage.
A pair displayed at the east end of the island, where there is a good nest site under a bush.
The male Peregrine was on the tower in the late morning, and I photographed him from across the lake in case he left before I could get round the lake for a closer shot. He did, so this is the only picture I have.
A Jackdaw by the Serpentine Road had some white feathers.
A hawthorn tree noth of Peter Pan, much used by Greenfinches, had a pair of them ...
... as well as a male Blackcap ...
... and a Wren.
The Little Owl at the Serpentine Gallery stayed inside the chestnut tree till the late afternoon, but I found him as I was going home.
The usual male Chaffinch was waiting at Mount Gate.
A female appeared in the Rose Garden. I hadn't seen her for months.
A Blue Tit perched in a rose bush.
In the herbaceous border, a Dark-Edged Bee Fly browsed on a pink hyachinth ...
... and a male Hairy-Footed Flower Bee examined a polyanthus.
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