Wolves Wild

At tree-top level on the island in West Park lake, standing on the next tree to the one chosen by the heron, one cormorant perched separate from the rest of the flock. Was it perhaps keeping an eye on the heron?

Also high in trees on the island were ring-necked parakeets, calling but not actually showing themselves.

The cormorants which are currently spending time on West Park lake have adopted a preferred perching area in one of the spots also favoured by herons when one makes an occasional visit to the lake.

This heron had arrived when the cormorants were already well ensconced, occupying the fallen tree in some numbers. Instead, it had chosen to settle very near the top of the closest tree, where it was watching the cormorants, its rivals for poaching the lake’s fish stock.

The cormorants which have landed up at West Park seem to be sticking around, at least for some time. There’s at least one pair  of adults, with juveniles making up the numbers.

Probably ten birds altogether. It’s hard to be certain. Quite frequently, a bird or two will fly off, or another will fly in. Sometimes they may be staying within the bounds of the park, to prospect for fish in the other arm of the lake. Sometimes they gain height as if they are venturing a little further afield.

One of this year’s cygnets  on the lake at West Park, twisting and turning its neck in what looked like impossible contortions as it preened feathers on its back.

The first time we saw this year’s cygnets, when they were still young and downy, there were only two of them. Now, as they’ve grown about as big as their parents, both still appear to be thriving.

More shots of some of the cormorants, currently resident in West Park. Two of the birds, standing on the same branch of a fallen willow as they preen. Meanwhile, a third bird looks on.

Twisting and contorting as it arranges its feathers, one of the cormorants currently resident on the West Park lake, preening. The white feathers on its chest mark it as a young bird.