Shovellers. Wollaton lake island. A pair of Shovellers resting on submerged branches by the island. At sunset both birds stirred, preened then flew off over the lake. No other Shovellers seen today.

Jay at dusk. Wollaton. Fine, sunny day with a nip in the air and mist at dusk. This Jay watching me from the side of the path by the lake.

Heron. Wollaton. The Heronry on the island caught my attention this evening as a nest with 3 well grown chicks could be seen and heard from the bank of the lake. An adult stood guard over the chicks until its partner arrived which caused much activity in the nest as the chicks begged for food, emitting a strange clacking noise and jostling for the best position. I watched the parent regurgitate some food. After this the adult re-arranged some twigs around the nest and settled to brood the young. The temperature began to drop rapidly as the sun set. A cold wind blew across the lake.

Red Deer in various stages of shedding their antlers.

Stock Dove. Wollaton park. Inspecting a promising looking nest-hole in the top of a Sweet Chestnut.

Fallow Deer sitting in the sun. Beautiful day with Brimstone Butterflies seen in the wooded parts of the park. 

Wollaton scene with Red Deer.
The peace before the imminent arrival of the masses, their dogs and litter.

Tufted ducks. Wollaton. Got to the park early to try and see Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. I managed to see both Green and Great-spotted but the small one evaded me (I heard it call twice). The park was covered in hoar frost and looked magical in the clear light. I couldn't resist these Tufted ducks resting near the edge in almost perfect calm conditions.

Fallow deer. Went back to the park at dusk. The Fallow buck was patrolling around the herd keeping up a continuous grunting sound. I imitated this sound and he immediately looked up. Then he began rounding up the does and led them away from the intruding sound.