My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
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Friday 13 March 2009

More birds and beasties from Bushey Park

Whilst the Great Crested Grebes took centre stage on my Bushey visit on Wednesday there were definitely other birds and beasts who had a role to play.

On a couple of occasions I passed a herd of some 29 Red Deer Stags. Whilst the stags stick together in a group, ignoring the females and young, outside of the rutting season, I don't think I've seen quite so many as this in one group.

Some of the stages were young ones

but still managing to look imperious despite their youth

whilst this older stag was using a tree branch to rub its antlers against

and a couple of stags were having a practice. This clashing of antlers was conducted in a very genteel manner with no aggression at all.

Back to our feathered friends and this female Red-crested Pochard was having a preen

and a Coot found something rather suspect for nesting material

The male Mallard was enjoying a nap

whilst in the Woodland Garden the single Cape Teal (that's been there for some while now) was also having a preen


while showing off its beautiful teal feathers

I'd been hearing a Great Spotted Woodpecker calling and drumming for some time and eventually tracked it down - high up in the branches of a tree

Out on one of the ponds in the larger Woodland Garden were four pairs of Mandarins and a solitary male. It was time for a wash..



So that's it for the birds and beasties - the flora will follow in another post.

12 comments:

swatson said...

great pics Tricia love the cape teal something I have never seen before.
Sheila

mick said...

Its great to have so many things to see all in one place. The Cape Teal is my favorite this time.

Phil and Mandy said...

Great photos Tricia, I had some nice views of a Mandarin on Tuesday when I visited Pensthorpe in Norfolk. Regards Phil

Graham James said...

Brilliant photos as usual, Tricia.

Tricia Ryder said...

Sheila - the Cape Teal is an escapee and has been there for about 3 years to my knowledge!

Mick - it's really great! Especially given the close proximity to London!

Phil - I like Pensthorpe!

Graham - thank you :D

ShySongbird said...

You have some wonderful outings Tricia! Lovely photos again and I particularly liked the Stags clashing antlers, the sleeping Mallard and the Mandarins.

Lily said...

My favourite's the Cape Teal too, absolutely gorgeous!

Jayne said...

What can I say that hasn't already been posted, some absolutely brilliant shots there Tricia - well done again
Jayne

Anonymous said...

That was a good collection Tricia. Looking forward to the flora.

Mel said...

Hola Tricia,
It's always nice to see animals in action, just doing their thing.
I love how you capture such simple, yet amazing, moments.
Besos,
Mel

Tricia Ryder said...

Thank you Mel - wildlife is so rewarding.

oldcrow61 said...

Wonderful pictures!

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