One Grey Day in Richmond Park

Jealous of Jonty's reservoir blog I picked up the camera and went down to Richmond Park yesterday. Despite the grey, overcast conditions I felt there was always the outside possibility of a Waxwing or some such winter treat (GG Shrike, Smew, BN Grebe, Slavs and Firecrest have all been recorded in RP). Unfortunately I had to make do with commoner fare, bagging a good list of 39 - not bad for two hours in December within the M25!

This character's been visiting the Mews all winter - he loves peanuts and likes fighting Carrion Crows and cats.

Cock Robin was busy defending territory.

A classic mammal of RP

 Another classic mammal of RP

Green Woodpeckers coming out of yer arse all day. Each one of them equally sour as the previous.

Never in the history of evolution has an animal occurred that is so consistently sour.

Seemed to be plenty of food around for Jays.

While the parakeets tucked in to "some sort of fungus" - rancid.

 Unfortunately not Ring Billed.

Not a Canvasback.....

Sick

A bird of Mexican reservoirs and the British lakes.

This poor lady didn't know what she was about to get into. It looked like it was about to kick off....

So I got out of there for a bacon butty. This chap was eyeing me up but got none of it.

Looking forward to the Benelux bonanza number 2. Already planning to bring flask and some good snacks!!