Being in London, atleast once watching the Change of Guards is a must. So on one fine day, I did go to check it out. After the Change of Guards, I walked to the nearby park called St.James' Park and was more than happy that I did. I got to watch so many birds and here are some. Beginning with some gorgeous Mute Swans, which owns the glory of being the largest flying bird in the whole of Britain and are mostly owned by the Royal family!
Here's the Mallard Duck, which is the most common of wild ducks! Below is a couple of Northern Shoveler preening which is called so because of its shovel shaped bills with which the sieve water from the prey!
This fella is called the Greylag Geese which is the only type of geese to breed in the UK. The wild ones are found in Scotland. The next 2 are Coot & Moorhen. When I spotted these here I immediately got reminded of the coots & moorhens of Pallikaranai Marsh Land. Though Moorhens swim, they prefer not to and they walk about a lot. I kind of find that funny, when birds walk long distances... Remembering a Coucal that walked the entire length of the compound wall of my home in India!
There's a bridge across the channel, that's painted blue in color here to go in sync with the nature here. In 1814, on the other side of the bridge was a Chinese Pagoda which was 7 floors high and was lit with gas lamps and there were fire works set up on Aug 1st to celebrate the success of Britain over France.
Sadly before the fireworks, the gas lamps went uncontrollable and destroyed the Pagoda, while the crowd assumed that too as a part of the celebrations. 2 lives were lost in this tragedy.
Today its a pleasure to watch the birds here. Everyday from 2:30 to 3:00 the Pelicans here are fed with fish. However when I was there I couldn't even spot a single pelican. The squirrels here are many. The best part is, none of the birds or squirrels here are afraid or don't even bother about humans. They come very close and eat from your hand and that's just awesome.
Pretty sure, every tourist would have Buckingham Palace in their London itinerary. Make sure you don't miss St.James Park located just beside it, if you have atleast 30 mins to spare. The best part - you could stop over here for a picnic lunch!
Pretty sure, every tourist would have Buckingham Palace in their London itinerary. Make sure you don't miss St.James Park located just beside it, if you have atleast 30 mins to spare. The best part - you could stop over here for a picnic lunch!
TO GET THERE:
Nearest Tube station: Green Park
Dedicated to Venkat
There are so many ducks and birds! It just so happened that a few minutes ago, I saw a bird perched on the fence outside our window. I immediately took a snapshot of it before it could fly away.
ReplyDeleteI also like birdwatching, but unfortunately we have a limited variety here in the city. I would really like to try bird-watching in a temperate country.
ReplyDeleteIt's calming watching birds. They are colorful and endearing to see flying or roving freely around.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to spend an afternoon! Just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. I don't think we have a place like that here in Manila anymore that you don't pay just to enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteBird watching, feeding the ducks; these are great ways to enjoy nature and just relax. We like to do this with the kids every few weeks.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool but some might think its boring. Well its stress reliveing for me.
ReplyDeleteThose are very cute birds. Glad to know London has a park for bird watching. I think bird watching is relaxing, I wanna try it some time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend your afternoon. The place looks very serene and relaxing! I wouldn't mind sitting there, just reading a book or something.
ReplyDeleteAwww too bad about those pelicans! They would have been nice to see on a bird watching day,.
ReplyDeleteThere's so many ducks that it looks like you are at a bird park! It's beautiful... I love the swans most
ReplyDeleteIt is so calm and relaxing moment to watch birds flying or gathering. It reminds me of childhood days when we had so much of time to sit and enjoy these little things in our life.
ReplyDeleteI really wish we had parks like this in Manila so we can also familiarize ourselves with our natural habitat :D
ReplyDeleteIt is really therapeutic to watch birds. It makes me feel relaxed instantly. Great post as usual.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely post. Great photos. You didn't try to torment the guards to make them speak did you?
ReplyDeleteI too enjoy bird watching (and feeding) at the same park. Somehow doing that brought me peace and quiet during my university days. It's a nice respite from studying! Your post brings back fond memories for me.
ReplyDeleteI like bird watching as well. When I was about 8 years old I had a bird watching book that I loved to read. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a relaxing way to spend the day - birdwatching! I also love the "changing of the guards" and staring at the Buckingham palace to see if the flag is up and for a glimpse of the Royal family.
ReplyDeleteI hope to include bird watching into my list of hobbies! Thanks for the lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteBird watching. Or duck watching is enjoyable with kids. For sure
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