5th April

Regent’s Park

Peregrine Falcon: a male was soaring above my lodge at 11.30am.

Sparrowhawk: a bird a took to be  a migrant flew high to the NE at 11.40am.

Kestrel: the pair in the Wetland Pen were chasing a group of Mallards that were interested in their nest box.

Grey Wagtail: a male flew across the towards Baker Street, and their nestsite.

Sedge Warbler: at least one bird was in the park, as singles were seen briefly in area 32 at 6.30am and not after and another was heard in area 30 at 7.25am but not after.

Willow Warbler: 3 were in area 41 this afternoon.

Chiffchaff: 6 birds were singing.

Blackcap: at least 7 males appear to be on territory.

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Being in the water is the worst place these chicks could be. They are helpless and an easy target for gulls, fortunately they were soon up on the males back. The female then went looking for food returning with what looked like a small Carp which was the wrong shape for the young to swallow. They are still to small and can really only manage Sticklebacks.

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The male was then not happy when the latest pair of grebes, started displaying and looking for a nest site at the other end of the island.

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Comments

Jack Barnes said…
Hi Tony,

I've noticed that over the last couple of weeks you have been getting some excellent shots of the Male Kestrel. I was wondering how close do you manage to get to him? As some of the shots look incredibly close! Also whereabouts in the park do you get the shots because I might head up there to try and get some!

Thanks, Jack
Hi Jack. The birds will hopefully nest in area 32 (the wetland pen). I have been lucky because he has become used to me and the staff that feed the waterfowl entering the pen. However he likes to sun himself at the end near the enclosure with the pines in.
Jack Barnes said…
Is the Wetland pen open to the public?

Jack
No but the Kestrel can often be seen perched in the tree nearest the gate.