Grey Heron

On a recent walk round the lakes this grey heron (Ardea cinerea) allowed me to approach quite close.  Normally they fly off almost as soon as you look at them.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2010-04-17.

Swan

A mute swan (Cygnus olor).

Photo taken beside the large lake, Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2010-03-18.

Egyptian Goslings

Earlier this week someone told Zoe that the pair of Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) on the large lake had goslings, so yesterday morning I went up there to take photos.  There were 6 goslings in all.

Photos taken beside the large lake in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2010-03-18.

Pluvialis on Radio 3

Five 15-minute programs on raising a goshawk by Helen Macdonald (pluvialis) on BBC Radio 3.  The first available until Monday 22nd, the last until Friday 26th.

Go listen here.

Now.

Ducks in the Snow

From just over a week ago: ducks in the snow beside the middle lake.  The snow has been around for almost 2 weeks but is now thawing fast and will probably be all gone in a day or two.

Photo taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-01-09.