ED Nature Watch

[Sue]

7 hours ago, ponderwoman said:

Four Egyptian goslings gone already. These Geese need to graze and/or have grains etc to eat.

No chance of grazing within the lake railings so no doubt the mouse size goslings are great dog sport when out on the greens. Consider taking wheat, oats lentils and fresh grass clippings to support them if that isn't in contradiction to the anti rat rules.

😭😭😭

[tfwsoll]

A swan has been visiting Dulwich Park recently.  It may be one of the siblings from Crystal Palace Park.  It's lovely to see it but it looks very lonely without a mate.

[MrsR]

A mistle thrush singing yesterday identified by my Merlin  app. Anyone knows hey are rare?

 

[yourmomma]

2 Red Kites? swooping around in the thermals above my house today.

[Sue]

2 hours ago, yourmomma said:

2 Red Kites? swooping around in the thermals above my house today.

Don't think they are red kites. Red kites have very distinctive forked tails ( unless yours  do and it doesn't show clearly on the photo?) You see a lot of them on the M40.

I saw a large bird fly over my road yesterday which I couldn't identify, maybe it was one of these. What road are you in? I'm near North Cross Road.

Edited March 6, 2024 by Sue

[malumbu]

Young goldfinches feeding today, it feels rather early to have the first brood.  Also wonder where they nest.  I've a dozen or more visiting the feeders 

[Nigello]

I’ve had them in my garden only the once - though that’s only when I’ve seen them. Is it only Niger seeds they’re into? 

[malumbu]

Hmm, gold finches don't breed till later.  A quick Google suggests a lesser redpoll, never heard of this species but they are in the UK

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

@MrsR

I've seen mistle thrushes on the running track at Peckham Rye Park.  I don't know if they're gregarious like starlings, but there were quite a few.

[Sue]

9 minutes ago, Peckhamgatecrasher said:

@MrsR

I've seen mistle thrushes on the running track at Peckham Rye Park.  I don't know if they're gregarious like starlings, but there were quite a few.

😮

[CPR Dave]

12 hours ago, Sue said:

Don't think they are red kites. Red kites have very distinctive forked tails ( unless yours  do and it doesn't show clearly on the photo?) You see a lot of them on the M40.

I saw a large bird fly over my road yesterday which I couldn't identify, maybe it was one of these. What road are you in? I'm near North Cross Road.

Surely the birds in this photo are just seagulls?

Edited March 7, 2024 by CPR Dave

[Sue]

2 hours ago, CPR Dave said:

Surely the birds in this photo are just seagulls?

🤣

[Moovart]

Not sure if this helps 😕

[peckhambog]

On 10/02/2024 at 10:40, ponderwoman said:

Four Egyptian goslings gone already. These Geese need to graze and/or have grains etc to eat.

No chance of grazing within the lake railings so no doubt the mouse size goslings are great dog sport when out on the greens. Consider taking wheat, oats lentils and fresh grass clippings to support them if that isn't in contradiction to the anti rat rules.

Three were still in one piece on March 1st.

[IlonaM]

Article regarding dangers of feeding bread to swans for those unaware of health risks to ducks and other wildfowl:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rspca-swans-flamingo-pink-bolton-park-b2508748.html

'Visitors to Moses Gate Country Park in Bolton called the RSPCA after spotting the bevy of swans looking tickled pink.

The charity said the group of birds were suffering from “pink feather syndrome”, which can result in swans struggling to swim and fly.

 

The condition is caused by a fungus which occurs when bread starts to decay in water. '

 

...

'RSPCA animal rescue officer Stephen Wickham, who collected the swans, said: “We know how much people enjoy feeding swans, ducks and geese, however, it’s important to make sure they are given the right food.

“Unfortunately, bread fills them up without giving them the nutrients they need and it can affect their health.

“We’d encourage people to offer them finely chopped greens, such as cabbage, spinach and lettuce, as well as mixed corn, grain, wheat or bird seed.

“Any feeding should also be done in moderation and only as a supplement to their natural diet.”'

[Mabaker]

I've found something slimy lurking in my new pond. I didn't want to disturb it but  it was in long strands. Could it be toad sperm?. It would be the first time ever if it is.

[vladi]

Toad eggs.

[CPR Dave]

Newts spawn? 

There's some newts in that fountain in Peckham Rye Park.

[Sue]

1 hour ago, Mabaker said:

I've found something slimy lurking in my new pond. I didn't want to disturb it but  it was in long strands. Could it be toad sperm?. It would be the first time ever if it is.

I think you may mean spawn rather than sperm? 😂 

But yes, toads do it in long strands.

https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/guide-to-frogs-and-toads-when-do-frogs-spawn-and-how-to-care-for-them

Edited March 7, 2024 by Sue

[Mabaker]

Oh dear, what a faux pas

[malumbu]

Saw the lesser redpoll when I came home.  So excited.  Indulge me will you EDF....  My views on bread and ducks, not at odds with consensus, can wait ☺️

[Sue]

13 hours ago, malumbu said:

Saw the lesser redpoll when I came home.  So excited.  Indulge me will you EDF....  My views on bread and ducks, not at odds with consensus, can wait ☺️

You are very lucky, Malumbu.

I mostly get large numbers of sparrows and a few very greedy wood pigeons.

And the occasional robin ❤️

[sunbob]

On 07/03/2024 at 17:06, peckhambog said:

Three were still in one piece on March 1st.

They're still thriving today and a bit bigger too 😀

[Peckhampam]

Lovely

[vladi]

GONE -      I have a sparrow terrace to give away free  to someone in Dulwich,

 

Edited March 15, 2024 by vladi