My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
To view pictures in larger format, just click on any picture for the picture gallery....

Friday 15 April 2011

Painshill Park - The eggs have hatched..

I'm a bit tied up with domestic things at the mo, but I did manage a quick visit to Painshill Park late this morning. My objective - to see whether the Great Crested Grebes were still on their nest.

Well...

they were not on their nest - but, in fact, further up the lake as the proud parents of two young Grebes. Whether the other two eggs were predated or it was the newly hatched young I don't know (there were 4 eggs as far as I know).

Initially on approaching the lake I realised that Mum had at least 1 youngster on her back. I spent nearly 2 hours from different spots watching and photographing them. During that time a second one revealed itself. It seemed smaller and certainly didn't react so quickly when Dad brought the next bit to eat.

As usual, I was thinking: if only the light was better - if only they were nearer!

Well towards the end of my rewarding vigil they did come closer to a bank so I want to meet them there.

(The pictures could be better but it was a privilege to be there and see these beautiful birds)

(The detail is better seen by enlarging the pictures by clicking on them...)

He seemed to have a feather in his beak.. which at one point he offered to one of the chicks.
Dad had been really industriousness fishing for most of the time.













13 comments:

Roy said...

These are great shots Tricia of an amazing event.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful images.

Anonymous said...

What a great series of photos. The youngsters are so cute!

ShySongbird said...

What a lovely sequence Tricia! I'm sure you felt very privileged to witness those events. GCGs are such elegant birds and I always think of you when I see one! I remember telling you a long time ago that I thought of you as the GCG lady...well I still do :)

Tricia Ryder said...

Roy - thank you.. and yes it was amazing to watch

Bob - many thanks

Digi - thank you... cute overload methinks!

Jan - I'm flattered... and yes, it was wonderful to have this opportunity. Painshill is so big that you often have space to yourself so I was able to watch without interruption.

Glo said...

How wonderful to see such a sight, and thanks so much for sharing this beginning of life with us :)

Tricia Ryder said...

Glo - I'm so pleased to be able to share the experience for everyone to see... just one of those right time, right place occasions..

Midmarsh John said...

Lovely series of photos. Must have been really good to be able to watch the event.

Tricia Ryder said...

John - thank you. I was delighted to be a spectator... a great family time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tricia!
Well as ever, SUPERB.
Got to dash!!

paul.

holdingmoments said...

Great series Tricia.
So rewarding to watch them.

Unknown said...

Beautiful birds and great images. It's my first visit to your blog but won't be the last. Kev

Tricia Ryder said...

Paul.. good to see you again and thanks for popping by.... happy dashing :D

Keith... thanks; and yes, so very rewarding - entranced was I..

Kev... many thanks for visiting and leaving such a kind comment. I look forward to seeing you again :)

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