A Robin and life at Barnes

A couple of days ago I was delighted that I had two swifts over the house - great to have them around again but, in this case, I haven't seen them since so they must be passing through.

One stalwart is "my" garden robin who's really enjoying the mealworms. I went to the shop on my way home today - the cupboard was bare and will be until Tuesday of next week. Let's hope he finds an alternative!



Today I headed over to the London Wetland Centre at Barnes. It was incredibly quiet - even some of the Collection birds seem to have vanished.

Met some people I've got to know from my visits there so we met up at various points. Thanks for the cuppa Rick :D

Frogs were much in evidence again and very vocal. This one greeted me on my way from the car park.

The Mute Swan pair were still adding to their nest at the foot of Sir Peter Scott's statue.
Three eggs were evident!

Reed Warblers were everywhere today. This one was very shy but just occasionally came up so we could get a glimpse!



The other most active birds were Great Crested Grebes. Here one is being chased by another!


And finally, around in the Wildside this one (of a nesting pair!) went fishing

Going....

going.....

virtually gone!

Still hungry it swam under the bridge and caught another

and deftly turned it around before swallowing it

Decided to have another look

but nothing doing so it swam back to its partner on the nest.

A good visit despite the lack of birds and activity, but the sun was warm and the pace was relaxed........

A Riot of Colour in Richmond Park

As I seem to have taken rather a large number of pictures today, I've split my post into two parts. This, the first, concentrates on the flowers, shrubs and trees. The second part (below) looks at the animals and birds.

At this time of the year, the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park puts on her coat of many colours. The Rhododendrons and Azaleas are at their best and bluebells carpet the floor under the trees. Every year the same amazing colours are a feast for one's eyes.

I realised that if I didn't visit soon, the best would be over for another year. The sun was out and it was very sheltered in the plantation; this being a wooded area with ponds and glades.

I just wandered through and enjoyed the colour.














Reflections







and the second pond




On the way to the gate, a carpet of bluebells.


(for birds and beasts - see post below)

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.