Dipped and spotted!

Edit: I think my title might be a tadge misleading. The "dipped" relates to Firecrests... (one day perhaps) and the "spotted" refers to a Tree Creeper that I finally got a picture of)..

I woke up this morning to a clear sky.... rubbing my eyes I looked out of the window again.... and yes, clear skies.

I'd had a message from a friend yesterday alerting me to 2 x Firecrests in Bushy Park and a possible Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Both being on my "much wanted list" I headed off this morning.

The wind was icy cold but "the sun was brilliant and the skies were blue". I rather like saying that - it's a rare occasion :D

Parked the car, and these two Egyptian Geese were up in the tree calling loudly as usual. I don't know if they're the same pair, but there's usually a pair in this tree!!

Signs of Spring starting were everywhere (I'm delighted to say :D )

Coots were fighting and often in groups of 4.

I headed off for the pond and the two Grebes from yesterday were still together. I watched for a while but nothing much was happening. Not long afterwards, Ian caught up with me; he'd come with the same purpose..

This Canada Goose had been chased off its patch of water (where it sat quietly minding its own business) by..

a very aggressive cobb Mute Swan. Only the adults remain now, the 7 cygnets from last year were nowhere in evidence today - I'm assuming they've now moved off to pastures new. Obvious signs of aggression by this cobb, means, hopefully, they will breed again this year..

Eventually I headed off to the Woodland Gardens enroute to the Plantation to look for Firecrests.

In preparation for Christmas this year, the mistletoe was putting on a show!

and beside one of the ponds, these Polyanthus were in full bloom. I suspect someone has planted these as they were alone and looking somewhat out of place!

As I walked listening to the bird song, this Great Tit wondered what all the fuss was about!

I got into the wood and the number of woodpeckers I heard/saw was amazing. This Great- Spotted was up in a tree, when with a flurry...

this Green Woodpecker arrived in the same tree!

As I entered the Plantation, these crocus were enjoying the sunshine.

I spent a considerable amount of time in the Plantation enjoy the wildlife and sun. Woodpeckers were everywhere; at one time three Great Spotted Woodies were drumming in the same tree! Still no sign of the Firecrests so I walked through to a favourite spot. I'd been advised by a fellow birder/photographer who visits Bushy, of the favoured spot for treecreepers and, until today, they'd not appeared for me.

I was wandering along, quietyly and slowly. watching Woodies and Wrens when, I saw....

I've never managed a decent shot of a Treecreeper so to get something acceptable today, was a great bonus!

Having spent some time there, I was then joined by Ian again and eventually we headed off for the visitor centre and a welcome bowl of soup.... yummy!

On our way back to the car park, these two (very loving) Rose-ringed Parakeets were ensuring continuation of the race..

He (on the left) then gave her an affectionate kiss..

then She decided to disappear into the hole in tree. Having inspected it she then flew off.

HE realised she'd gone and carried out his own inspection before flying off as well.

The two Great-crested Grebes were still around, but nothing much was happening so I headed off for home. I'd arrived at 10.30 and left about 2.30...

In addition, saw all the usual suspects on the water and several small flock of Long-tailed and Blue tits, Great Tit. Wrens seemed to be everywhere darting about as is their way!

I'm beginning to think that Bushy Park is THE place to go birding. A really great albeit unplanned trip!