24th May

Bushy Park

I didn’t have much time to bird in the park today, even though I was outside for a large part of the day. The reason I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary was because I was under Oaks scrutinising most branches looking for Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars. We did find three clusters, these we can show the volunteers who will start looking for them from next week. They are still very small and hard to locate.

A few bird snaps taken first thing this morning

This was one of 2 cygnets that were about to get a real shock when the landed by the Diana Fountain

The cob (male) who’s partner was sitting on eggs that were about to hatch immediately flew over and tried to attack them. One was able to head off straight away, while the other became a bit disorientated and after evading several attempted attacks sat by Chestnut Avenue.

This Common Tern flew over the eastern side of the park heading NE, possibly towards Richmond Park. I cant think of another location one would head that way for.

Three pairs of Common Shelduck were around the Rabbit burrows in the east of the park.

An adult Mistle Thrush chases off a juvenile.

A Grey Heron fishes on the outfall of the Longford River until some children wanting to paddle flushed it. It was hot so I won’t grumble.

Though parakeets were fairly recent visitors to Regent’s Park I cannot recall ever seeing any taking grit or minerals from the ground. Here and at Richmond Park it is common practice.