Starlings on Sunday

The starling family is still around, there are at least 2 adults and 2 fledglings. These birds used to be very common around here, but sadly no more. The fledgings and juveniles are very pale compared to the adults*, and the first time one appeared in the garden it took me some moments to realise what it was.

We see them so very rarely nowadays, and have only seen adults in recent years. This is the first time I've seen signs that they're breeding somewhere nearby. Let's hope this is a sign that the local population is recovering.

* These photos on the British Garden Birds website illustrate the differences in colour.

Saturday Sunshine

It has been a glorious sunny day here. The buddleia are in flower, but no butterflies on them today.



In the dock basin

Mute swan x 2
Mallard x 15
Coot x 2
Blackheaded gull x 40
Common gull x 5
Common tern x 4

Friday Flowers

Not a promising start to the day, but it had turned fine by lunchtime in time for a stroll.

There have been very few swallows around the dock this summer compared to previous years, but numbers have picked up a bit over the last week or so and there are nests under the bridge and around the locks.

More Docklands Flora

Thursday Thoughts

A real change in the weather today, cloudy and muggy. Feels like there's a storm brewing.

There were around 20 mallard ducks around the steps near The Green Frog, with 9 fluffy and cute duckilings. Also both mute swans plus 10 coots.