Bushy Park in the late afternoon

After a dental checkup and some grocery shopping (I don't know how I contain myself with all this excitement!) which was a fairly rude awakening to normality again, I escaped into Bushy for a walk towards the end of the afternoon. That way the light was better, the car park less full, and the noise from children on holiday, somewhat less!

The family of Mum, Dad and seven cygnets are still very much evident and doing well.

The cynets are now stretching their wings and practising wing flapping, moving a few feet at a time. I suppose it won't be long now before they are off.

Dad was demonstrating and offering flying lessons..




An inactive Black-headed Gull was contemplating life, water and beyond..

And this young Red-crested Pochard was busily following..

Mum

and a possible Dad was around and about..

Further along, these thistle-like flowers were the attractant for flutters

Many Small Coppers were finding the plants attractive.



On the way back to the car, a maturing young Fawn was around; keeping close to Mum still.


Just a short walk, but enough to stretch the legs!