Is it Spring or Summer?

My doggie friend and charge (who's nickname is Boo) has just come back from spending a week in Cumbria with her little master (my grandson) and his Dad. My daughter is now back at work so Boo is feeling a tad neglected by contrast.

The sun was shining and it was wonderfully warm; the gardening called but I decided that Boo and I needed some exercise so off we went to Richmond Park. This venue mainly as I'd heard that two Ring Ouzels had been spotted there yesterday. Well - that was yesterday and no sign of them today though.

Saw Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and heard them both calling and drumming. Not too many birds visible but heard Great and Blue Tits, Greenfinches, Chaffinches and - I'm delighted to say, heard my first Chiff-chaff of the season. AND a Skylark hovering right above my head and singing it's heart out - wonderful!

Also spotted some furry rabbits where the Ring Ouzels were meant to be.

We walked for about an hour and a half then headed off home for lunch.

I was then going to take Boo home but had a little detour via Bushey Park to check on the Goslings. And my - they have grown and grown. They are definitely loosing their downy feathers now and looking much more like their Mum and Dad.

I couldn't find them at first, but located them on one of the little islands in the pond - so a little further away to photograph than usual.

Many birds about and today seemed to be preening day.

A small herd of fallow deer were also enjoying the sun. I'm amazed at the different colours in their coats. From almost white to very dark brown.

Eventually took Boo home where my daughter provided a welcome cup of tea before we went to meet my Grandson from School.

A really great day out - felt almost as though I was on holiday!

And as usual, some pictures:
There were seven of these cuties eating happily

A magpie just having had a bathe

The coot with the "des-res" nest

And another which was frowning at having it's picture taken.

Fallow deer enjoying the sun



The Goslings are growing!

and beginning to show their (nearly) adult colours

If you look closely, you'll see (just to the right
of the rear gosling) a frog - or is a toad?
If you're able to ID it, I would be pleased if you
would leave a comment (see the end of this post)

Great-Crested Grebe


Mallard ducklings

Mandarin Duck




Red-crested Pochard



Tufted Duck