Iridescent

Finally we're seeing a little sunshine. I put some fat out for the birds and uncannily a flock of Starlings appeared from nowhere. They only come when I put fat out.

They seemed to enjoy warming their shiny feathers in the early sun.

Feathery wing pits

Surprise today - I'd always assumed the female Mallard had wing feathers the same colour all over but I discovered they're bright white underneath. 

And whilst I was thinking of white I managed to snap a black-headed gull having a poo in flight. I am easily pleased.

Rolling horses

A couple of horses enjoying a symmetrical roll in the park this morning. 

Obviously great friends.

Gills

Amazing feathery gills on my tadpoles now. Purple, almost transparent. 

I'd been worried that they'd all died, luckily they've perked up again and growing apace.

The Grey Heron

Graceful in its slow flight the Grey Heron is a large bird. The long neck is folded back to make a more streamlined shape in flight. You don't often get to see the feet and sharp talons - they're usually up to their knees in pond water. 

Tadpoles and treecreepers

Quite remarkable how fast the tadpoles are developing. 

Little feathery gills have appeared in the last two days.

And I spotted another treecreeper in the park. They are small (perhaps sparrow-sized) 

and nimble. They fly to the bottom of a tree then work their way up looking for food in the 

cracks in the bark of the oaks. 

Proud parent

First signs of movement in my tadpoles. Thrilled.