Painshill Park.. two pairs of Great Crested Grebes

Over the weekend my daughter was up this way visiting various friends and on Sunday morning we went for a walk in Bushy Park - just like old times :)

Whilst I'd taken the camera, it was more for the exercise and company than a walk for taking pictures. However!! A couple of mute swans flew over and I managed to grab a pic of one of them :D

This was almost full frame so I was quite pleased!

We walked for quite a while then went to the cafe for some brunch. Tea and a wicked strawberry muffin (with loads of butter cream filling!) for SPD and coffee and a raisin Danish for me.

Later on in the day after my daughter had headed off to a friend's, I had a quick update stroll around Painshill Park.

There are now 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebes and whilst the 2nd pair have built a nest, they seem to have abandoned it. I came across them right down the eastern (?) end of the lake where they were happily swimming and diving for fish.

Out in the middle, one of them seemed to be "yawning"

The other was much closer in and just swimming about.

and diving..

and coming up again but with empty beak!

Eventually the nearer of the two swam to the middle of the lake to join its partner; they started some head wagging but no dance was to happen.

I walked around to the other side and the two who have produced eggs are still nesting; so this is great!

Right into the sun (in the afternoon) but I managed a shot of the prospective parents at the nest.

Dad was getting sleepy..

and could hardly keep his eyes open....

(I've only cropped this picture, so was quite pleased with the result)

but just about managed it..

and finally.... just when I'd decided to call it a day, the elusive Blackcap showed for just a brief minute.

It is only a record shot, but it's the only one so far, that I've managed this year ;)

And as I type this, a wren sings as does the Blackcap - in my garden.. but can I see either of them... nooooooo - they are such a tease!