As I started walking around the lake, I espied this Grey Heron perched up very high on a dead tree.
and further around the lake dthis one had his eye on something - probably a meal of some sort!
May flies were everywhere and whilst this one was clinging onto a leaf, many others were indulging in their "bobbing up and down" flights.
Banded demoiselles were still evident but the numbers were fewer today. Damselflies abounded and it was great to see.
A flotilla of Greylag Geese and their goslings were swimming across the lake. Four adults and now 8 youngsters. The numbers of Greylag and Canada Geese goslings were, sadly, very much reduced from previous visits!
After the journey across the lake, these youngsters came onto dry land
followed by the four adults; some wing stretching was indulged in..
and of course, all youngsters need to practice their moves.
A cob Mute Swan was looking for something to eat and mostly being succussful.
I walked on getting further to where I normally see the Grebes and spotted one on its own out in the lake just swimming about.
I walked closer to the edge to get a better shot, when I noticed the other Grebe
on
a
nest! Whey hey! This was great news.
and, when she got off the nest, there was an egg! Great!
The both swan around for a bit and had a preen.
and eventually she made her way back to the nest; and whilst I was passing on the other bank later on, she was back on the nest again.
Nearby, a family of Mute Swans were growing up and beginning to feed themselves
and, of course, you need to get wet in order to eat
And finally I left Painshill with a spring in my step knowing that the Great Crested Grebes have had another go at ensuring the continuation of the species. Fingers crossed this time, they will have more success......
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13 comments:
fingers crossed for the GC grebes tricia. You can get some pics. of the stripey young ones!
Beautiful photos and of course cute babies! I enjoy the details you give in your photos - this time all those flies!
Another superb set of photos, Tricia. Nice to be able to watch the youngsters as they grow. They always steal the limelight! Let's hope the GC Grebes manage to start a family this time.
May Fly time is a wonder to behold. Only seen it twice on various small rivers when there have been hundreds flying around at once.
Great Images of new life,lovely blog,well done Tricia.
John.
Warren - yes fingers crossed indeed. They're in a less public place this time but next to the bank so....
Mick - thank you - they are cute still; glad you enjoy the detail - I shall have to keep it up :D
John - thank you. Mayflies are strange creatures with their three long "tails".
It will be interesting following all the babes as they grow up - just hope they do!
John (JR) - thank you for your kind comments.
Good to learn the Grebes are trying again & can only hope they are successful. The duck & geese families I saw this am have also diminished in no's but that's nature.
Great news on the Grebes Tricia.
Loveley pictures of your visit; I'm hoping to get out this weekend, despite a mountain of the domestic stuff to do. :)
Hi Keith - Thanks and tis good news and fingers crossed again for this time around.
You must get out at the weekend; the weather's going to be great and remember, domestic chores will always wait for you but wildlife won't :D
Hi Frank - As you say, nature being nature and can only be expected. That's where nature's so clever by producing so many young ones :D
Once again I am in awe of your fantastic photography Tricia, I would be made up to get just one shot half as good as yours!!!
Jayne
Hi Tricia, that's unusual about the Grebes as the book states they only have one brood each year.
The Greylag goslings are getting big.
Great news on the GCG's Tricia, I do hope they have a happy outcome. I loved all the photos as usual. Hope you have a lovely sunny weekend.
Jayne, Roy and Jan
My apologies for not responding before this and many thanks for your comments. Fingers crossed and I hope to check up again soon.
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