Came down to London last night for meetings today and tomorrow. Fortunately, close to Hyde Park so I was able to make a pre-breakfast walk around the Serpentine area.
Ring-necked Parakeets were soon calling from the trees as they arrived from their overnight roosts. Native birds were also waking up with at least 7 Magpies searching for food, Blackbirds and Robins were out, 14 Long-tailed tits were by the bridge, with a few Blue and Great Tits.
On the Serpentine there were at least 40 Mute Swans, and more each of Canada and Grey-lag Geese. Seven Eygtian Geese were feeding on the grass next to the lake. Ducks included Pochard, Tufted, Mallard and 3 Shoveler. Coot were numerous and several Moorhen were present. A single Grey Heron sat preening itself.
Walking past Princess Diana's memorable fountain a Mistle Thrush was heard and a Cetti's Warbler kept giving short bursts of song. Given the narrow area of cover next to the lake it's amazing to think that this warbler has set up home here, I heard one here in June too. Finally a Jay was hopping through the tree branches. In all 29 bird species were seen, plus Grey Squirrels, not bad for central London in early winter.
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