A Mixed Bag

The first images were taken at Stourhead, Wiltshire, early one morning last month.

The Mallard were just starting to wake up, but were not eager to get moving.

I guess this chap and his mates were sufficient security ...

Canada Goose

... and they're used to people wandering around.

I watched this (depleted?) Coot family for a while.  There seemed a possible story-line in there somewhere.

"She'll get over it, son."

"Come on.  Get your bed made."

"Are they watching me?"

"Yes!  They are."

"Do we have to do this every day?"

"I'm bored."

(Anthropomorphism lives on!)

Workmen were getting as much done as they could before serious numbers of visitors started arriving.  They were resurfacing the path after the ravages of recent rain.

The temperature was starting to rise now.  There was little bird activity.

Foxglove

Hydrangea

Time to go back home.

The remaining photographs were taken at the London Wetlands Centre at Barnes.  I met up with a friend who lives in Greater London for a foray into that part of the capital before the Olympic Games started.

Bewick's Swan

This bird is part of a collection at the centre.  I thought that in the first image it looked rather pensive – dreaming perhaps of Siberia?

Coot

"You're joking?"

"Mum?"

"That's more like it."

Black-necked Swan

Chiloe Wigeon

Common Lizard

... and then he was gone.  I didn't have time to retake and get the tail in focus, too.


This Grey Heron was just taking life easy.  It was quite hot, so you can't blame it.

Finally, a young Mute Swan with plenty greens left to eat up.

Visitors wearing sandals suffered.  The cob pecked toes!  (There was no netting at the base of the barred fence.)