Young birds at Hatfield Forest..

I started off today with a visit to Audley End. Been there many times now, just a few pictures - it was fairly quiet but the day got much better weather wise... warm and sunny - good practice for Florence in four week's time :D

and from there to Hatfield Forest for some exercise

initially I was side-tracked by one Great Crested Grebe and its one youngster.. not sign of the other parent .

Further around the lake I came across a Mum Great Crested Grebe with three youngsters still small enough to be carried on her back!

Whilst I was watching, I was treated to a fly past by two common terns..

Eventually, the second parent joined the first

and immediately one of the young ones leapt of Mum's back and went to see what Dad had to offer.

Great being able to watch them.

Only slight annoyance of the day was a dog-walker who was throwing sticks into the water for the dog to chase... right in the middle of a group of Greylag Geese... who dispersed very quickly... this does make me mad!!