Fast growing cygnets, West Park

Fast growing cygnets, West Park

The swan family on West Park lake still have all five cygnets. They seem to be growing really quickly, and to be ever-hopeful of being fed.

Long time, no see (young swallow)

Long time, no see (young swallow)

This used to be a regular sight at this time of year, but no longer. A young swallow rests on a telegraph wire, pausing in its flying practice. Soon it would have been setting out on its first long flight across the Sahara, arriving in time for its second summer of the year, now in the southern hemisphere.

These pictures are from a dozen years ago, no swallows since.

Demanding coot chicks, West Park

Demanding coot chicks, West Park

Coot chicks on the lake at West Park. Although they’re well-grown enough to dive to get food for themselves, they still insistently demand to be fed by their parents.