Birds and Beasts of Richmond Park

In the Isabella Plantation there are three ponds. This one, near one of the gates often has waterfowl. But today, I got a great surprise.

Now I don't know whether these are escapes or collection birds. I've never know collection birds to be present in Richmond Park. The Plantation has a boundary fence around it which is to keep out the Deer of the park. There is no restriction on the coming or going of birds. I shall be contacting the relevant people at Richmond Park to find out more.

Heard three Green Woodpeckers calling - lots of drumming. Chiffchaffs around and the tinkling of a Skylark. The park management had again posted signs around a large area near Penn Ponds advising walkers that Skylarks could be nesting again. Didn't see any evidence but it's early days yet.

The first surprise was this Wood Duck - !!! I first saw six male Mandarins and a short while later another two flew in. The only female was near the Wood Duck - I'm sure it's a female Mandarin.

The these two Pintails swam slowly around the pond - again, never seen them here before.


A female tufty fishing

Male Mandarin

also fishing


Then, tucked away on an island where I couldn't get a good view, this Shelduck (one of two) was sleeping.


So, having spent a goodly time in the Isabella Plantation, I headed around the other side to visit Pembroke Lodge and use the facilities!

But before I could get back to the car, these Fallow Deer who were playing host to the Jackdaws caught my attention; a small group dozing in the afternoon sun.


"If I creep up from behind, he'll never notice and he won't miss a few hairs either"

"Now, if I ask very nicely......

and droop my head in supplication...

then perhaps I could steal a few more hairs?"

and finally, left in peace to doze.