A food frenzy
There was no sign of the Aylesbury's but it wasn't long before they realised that there was a banquet waiting for them that they hurtled in from around the direction of the island.
The Aylesbury's on their way in for breakfast
However they are quite aggressive little ducks and when two drake Mallard were having a scrap, they decided to join in.
Shall we join in?
Go on then
The 14 Swans were still there from Sunday and also the drake Pochard. An adult winter Lesser Blackbacked Gull (Larus fuscus grarllsii) was present the whole time was there and was joined by two first winters and a 3rd winter Herring Gull. I'm sure I've got it right for 3rd winter, but I'll will have to check it as they go through so many moults before they reach adulthood. It transpires its a 3rd Winter and not a 2nd winter.
The ever present drake Pochard
3rd winter Herring Gull with a Swan Mussel
Adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull
Adult winter Lesser Black-backed Gull
A juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull
Also present were several Black-headed Gulls in summer plumage. However there were many more still in moult.
Black-headed Gull in Summer plumage
Other water birds present were Canada Geese, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorants, Tufted Duck, Coot and Moorhen. Around the banks there were Carrion Crows, Feral Pigeons and Woodpigeons.
Canada Goose coming into land
Feral Pigeons in flight with a Woodpigeon on the ground
A total of 27 species plus 2 ferals were recorded between 9:25am - 10:25am: Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Mallard, Aylesbury Duck (feral), Tufted Duck, Pochard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Chaffinch.