I found them on the fence and shed roof two gardens away . She was probably trying to get away from his advances , but he was sticking to his task , until whilst he was sniffing where she had been on the shed roof , she took her chance , and dropped down off the fence into the alley at the 
rear . But he wasn't going to be outdone , realising what had happened , he was once again on her trail . Later in the morning , I decided to have a look around Keston Ponds , hoping to relocate the Tree Creeper or the Grey Wagtail . I failed on both counts , and with very little of interest around the ponds , I headed for Hayes Farm , hoping for better luck . On the ground , just over the stile , was a good sized flock of Redwing , who , having stripped out all the berries in the
neighbourhood , and with the melting of the snow , have started feeding on the ground . On the way , I had stooped again at the church in Hat=yes and the house opposite , and there is not a single berry left on any of the Pyracantha bushes . On the way to the Trout Fishery , several flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares flew over , all looking for an uncovered are of the horse paddocks to feed in . The Paddock alongside the Fishery once again held Rabbits , this large one 
right out in the middle of the field , an easy meal for a passing Buzzard ? Very little change on the lake , still 90% frozen over , but I only found one Egyptian Goose this time , the one that I 
thought was the male . One new resident though , this male Gadwall , keeping as far away from the camera as he possibly could . Having not seen them last visit , both Little Grebe put in an 
appearance this time , and one actually took time off from feeding to pose for a photograph . It didn't last though , as most sightings of the pair were either -
or , more often than not -
The two Mute Swans are still in residence , one of them seen here with some of the Mallards , 
Coots , Tufted Duck and at the edge of the ice , behind the Swan , both Little Grebe .
Coots , Tufted Duck and at the edge of the ice , behind the Swan , both Little Grebe .
whilst the other seemed to spend his time off feeding , and coming back at regular intervals , to make sure she was doing it properly . The female can be just made out in the main body of the nest . Carol tells me that the Carrion Crows were doing similar to their old nest , high in one of the Lime trees in the street , whilst it was snowing last week .
butterfly , our first record of the new season . A couple of quick shots , and the trug was replaced and the door closed , with the hope that it will make it through to Spring .
usual contenders to the back garden . Along with them , the Song Thrush , photographed in sunshine last time , had to put up with leaden conditions for today's shot . Not seen for a few 
days now , the female Blackcap put in an appearance , feeding on the once again snow covered Callicarpa berries . Sneaking in from down the back of the garden , the Fieldfare came to get a free breakfast .
Once he was sure of the situation , he took over from the Robin at acting as if he owned all the food , and constantly chasing off the Chaffinches . Lunchtime , just before the snow stopped , we 
had another visit from a Fox , but unfortunately this one was limping with an injury to a back leg .
watching , a female Kestrel , tucking in to her lunch . On the next tree , unseen by the trio , was 
her mate , sitting with what looked like a smirk on his face . I just wondered if he had caught the meal and given it to her , to earn some 'brownie points' . Once she finished eating , she flew off , but the male just sat in full view and started to preen . 
in case any Blogger doesn't see many of this species . As I did so , I heard two thumps on the ice , and looking to my right , the two Shovelers had also decided to see what was happening , and 
posed together , as if they were domesticated pets , rather than wild visitors . 
around , and found these two , sitting on a bench , around a tree , seemingly having a laugh at me trying to get photographs in that light . Unperturbed , I carried on , looking amongst the ducks and geese for something different . Turning a corner , there was something different , a female 
out in the lake , I found her mate , having forty winks , well that's what it looked like , but if you look carefully , he's not snoozing at all , just pretending . Mind you , that wasn't surprising , as a little further along the bank, WW3 had just broken out amongst the Mandarins . It was probably all over the few females present , compared to the number of males . Consequently , there was a
lot of whistling , together with a lot of snorting , together with a lot of pecking going on . This was just one part of the action , as every male was displaying , head right forward and down , then up as high as possible , with all the coloured neck feathers fanned out behind . The fracas went on for some time , but I left them to it , to see what else was around . More noise was added by a flock of about 10 Parakeets , high in a tall London Plane tree . I couldn't be sure of the exact species , as there have been 3 species recorded in the park , if I remember correctly . The commotion attracted another on looker , and a flash of white rump announced it's arrival . A Jay flew in to see what was going on , but did not settle at all , constantly moving . It seemed like I 
had a split second to take a shot between perches , but I managed to get the shot . If you look , it's right foot is just lifted , ready to move again . Strangely , once again , I felt watched , once 
again . I was right , I think the sculptor was of tenderer years this time . I was almost back at the gate now , but saw some movement amongst the leaf litter around a stand of Holly trees . I got closer , and with binoculars , could make out several 
poses on a snowy log . The inbuilt flash goes off and there it is , complete with the flash in it's eye . He moved on , but I just stayed where I was , which paid off , as a 
the flash fired off , but the 
on bread , thrown in by a small bridge . I left with a list of 26 , that was counting a couple of iffy species , but still an unexpected , enjoyable visit , on a horrible day .
Keston Ponds have come down here whilst the ponds are frozen over . Lots of Mallards too , and not too many 'dodgy' ones either , and I must admit trying my best to make this white duck into 
a leucistic Mallard , but in all honesty , I think it is just a domestic Pekin Duck , most probably an escapee . Being surrounded by people , it appears that many of them bring food to feed the birds , but all I saw eating their offerings were large numbers of Feral Pigeons , that seemed to come in all the colours of the rainbow . Quite a few Tufted Ducks , and a very large flock of BHGulls , noisily looking for the next meal . Around by the cafe , I found this , what I can only 
describe as a strange looking Muscovy type . Especially strange in the leg department , as it basically almost doesn't have any . When I stopped to photograph it , I was approached by a 
couple of individuals , who were very tame indeed . The first was this Greylag Goose , one of many seen today and most of them ringed . It got so close that I could make out the serrations on the bill , used for grazing grass and other vegetation . Thinking it was missing out on 
something , this Canada Goose decided to come in and check out the situation . There are notices all around the park saying not to feed these Geese , as their numbers rose dramatically a few year ago , and they became very aggressive , especially towards children , and their droppings were everywhere , allegedly being a health hazard . Their numbers have been kept in check since then , I believe by egg pricking . By now , I was opposite the island , which contains one of the largest Heroneries in the South East , after Northward Hill . It won't be long before they start this year's breeding , and I counted at least 10 nests from last season , ready to be refurbished 
for this . Every now and again , the local Carrion Crows seemed to keep them awake by swooping down on those at rest , before engaging in aerial battles with them . This one really did remind 
me of a pterodactyl , as it tried to evade the incoming Corvid . The call of Long Tailed Tits had me looking into the treetops . A small flock , constantly on the move , with me following , hoping for a picture . My efforts were rewarded , with a three shot opportunity , before , once again , the 
constant search for food reumed .
and closer inspection revealed a single Linnet , feeding on the few remaining seeds at the top . Another two were found 
almost completely frozen over , just one small area of open water , right over the other side from the track . Only one Egyptian Goose was seen , looking very small near the white farmyard and 
hybrid type . Most of the Mallard and farmyard type ducks , were tucked in under the overhanging branches , but no sign of the pair of Little Grebe . The open water held a pair of 
Mute Swans , a small flock of Canada Geese and a mixture of Coots , Moorhens and 
after a few minutes , one by one they drifted back . Only trouble was , they were feeding on the far side of the bushes , so I had to photograph them as they landed in the 
made their way down to the little tree , and the shutter started working again . Before they all came down , another heavy snow shower started , and seemed to unsettle them , and they all took off , and flew over the car . They landed in the tree behind the car , they swooped noisily onto a large 
did give a good start to the day . A poor shot I know , but they were chasing around the garden like mad , and the shot was taken through double glazing . Just one each of Fieldfare and Redwing were sighted in next door's garden , neither coming to feed in ours .
disappeared , only to re-appear at the log standing on end with fat and seed in the drilled holes . 
He was flying up to the fat/seeds , grabbing what he could , before gravity brought him back to 
the ground , only for him to bounce straight back up again for another grab . This was what he 
was after , about 2 mtrs. up from the ground , and as can be seen , quite often he managed to grab a beak-full . The Great Spotted Woodpecker won't be too happy , as he spends quite a bit of time feeding on this every day .
one small area of the top pond has open water , probably kept open by the waterfowl themselves . One worrying sign , in the fresh blanket of snow over the frozen pond , footprints from one side of the pond to the other , unbelievable . No sign of the Grey Wagtail in her usual place , where water runs between two of the ponds , but in the little tunnel that carries the 
water , a set of icicles , with the water running below , were just waiting to be photographed . Apart from the odd Robin and a mixed Tit flock , I saw very little else , but on the way home along the bottom lane , I noticed a Fox bounding across the open paddock up on the hill . It would have made a good shot , but by the time I safely stopped , the Fox had reached the tree line . Almost home , I spotted a Redwing in a tree planted along the pavement , and as I slowed another joined it . I stopped on the other side of the road , and more flew in , and flew down to feed on a Pyracantha bush , in a front garden , overhanging the pavement . I stared shooting , and had managed 10/12 shots , when a car pulls in and parks , right in front of the bush , and frightened the Redwings off , not to be seen again . I am posting my favourite shot that I managed before 
the car arrived , another gymnastic effort , just like the male Blackbird .
