West Park, just over an hour ago. A dead carp, already partly eaten, lies across the path by the lake. A lesser black backed gull, beak deep in the fish, perhaps responsible for dragging it ashore. It takes one more mouthful, then, apparently replete, flies off.
Swimming in the canal, clost together about half way between Newbridge and Horden Road, two mallards, each of which had a recently hatched set of ducklings: four with one bird, six with the other.
Flowers at the end of twigs on one of the ash trees in Bantock Park, handily only a little above eye level over one of the paths.
Mallard drakes are usually the very model of feckless fathers, heading off even before the ducklings are hatched. But this mallard family on the canal near the Wildside Centre is the second one I’ve seen this year where the drake is still around, playing an active role in protecting the young ones. The other was in West Park. Just after these pictures were taken, another drake swam close to the family. The resident drake immediately went into full-blown aggressive mode. The intruder was already beginning to flee before the female also joined in.
With the dissected edges of their wings, the first generation of commas are one of the most recognisable buterflies of spring. This one was resting on an ivy leaf while warming itself for the morning.
Female flower or catkin on a pussy willow, smaller and less showy than the male catkins which are peeping in at the edge of the frame.
