Saturday 18 October 2014

Wildlife around Heron Pond.

A very mixed week weather wise so here is a small selection of the wildlife seen during my visits to Heron Pond in Bushy Park.

As usual one of the very approachable Grey Heron was waiting near the car park.

Black-headed Gulls, in various stages of their winter plumage, waiting for a handout.


Ducks on the water included the bright eyed Tufted, Gadwall with its finely vermiculated grey body and a single (Northern) Shoveler all slowly changing into their full breeding plumage.

A surprising find this week was a juvenile Herring Gull in its mottled plumage resting on the remains of a floating nest.

 The pond also supports a small but healthy population of Red-crested Pochard.

Large numbers of Jackdaw frequent the park. They are fairly friendly and always willing to pose.

The local residents also include these two introduced species, Canada and Egyptian Geese. 

At this time of year one is never far away from a Red Stag wandering through the bracken on the lookout for hinds or protecting his existing harem often resting and hidden deep in the vegetation.

During the rut the general advice is to keep at least 50 metres from any of the deer, especially the stags but sometimes they just appear and let everyone know their intentions!

And then he sauntered away to be camouflaged once again by the autumnal hues of the ferny landscape.

All these three images are cropped so I wasn't that close and always respect the boundaries when photographing any wildlife. FAB.

Linking to Camera Critters, Saturday's Critters and I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'.

23 comments:

  1. You take wonderful shots of birds and animals. I can see the details in their feathers and fur nicely.

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  2. beautiful birds. love the pochard and the jackdaw. the stag is impressive!

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  3. WOW! That second shot of the shag is amazing, Frank. You certainly found and photographed a lot of beautiful birds on your walk. Love the collages. Have a great weekend.

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  4. Wow, amazing shots. I love all the birds and the deer. The Red-crested Pochard is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing your post with my critter party.. Have a happy weekend!

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  5. Of course the bird photos are awesome. But this week I think the Bull bellowing to let everyone know he's near by steals the show!!!

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  6. Fantastic photos and particularly loved the one of the stag bellowing.

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  7. Wow the Stag shots are amazing and wonderful montage of the wildlife! Great shots!

    Happy Weekend to you!

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  8. Great shots Frank. So many to like. The Gadwall is very underrated and I love the Red-crested Pochard. But those Stags are awesome, and great to watch right now.

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  9. All excellent birds...and mammal:) A Herring Gull is a good find over there I think. Here they are rather common around our Great Lakes area and our the dominant gull.

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  10. Wonderful birds. The stag is very impressive.

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  11. Fabulous photos, FAB! Love the Stag shots.

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  12. Whew...awesome shots, Frank...the gray heron is great!...:)JP

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  13. Stunning stag shots! He makes one think of fall! Love your beautiful bird photos also. Wonderful series!

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  14. Wonderful photos. I did enjoy the birds, that one gull was so interesting. I believe you said it was a juvenile. The Stag is so impressive. I'd steer clear of him for sure.

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  15. I can't get over those red stags. Majestic creatures. And the birds are wonderful. A few the same as ours, but so many new to me. What a great place.

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  16. What wonderful animals! I think the elk would be one to stay clear of with that attitude!

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  17. Thank you ever so much for sharing the link to your bird post at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend!! I was here yesterday as Hootin' Anni but I still once again have to tell you I loved viewing all your feathered friends and that bellowing stag. Awesome.

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  18. Amazing shots of the stag Frank. Unfortunately I never get to see the Red crested Pochard up here, I think it was about 5 years ago I photographed one in this area.

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  19. You certainly know where to find the wildlife Frank.

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  20. Beautiful birds, I love the handsome Jackdaw. You got some really impressive shots of the magnificent stag.

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  21. Some of your birds look very familiar. Others are beauties I would love to see one day. Beautiful photos.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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