Pond Party

There are some amazing sights to be seen around our ponds and lochs at this time of year. Just look at these crested grebes! They were courting and mating on Hogganfield Loch on the outskirts of Glasgow.

I wasn’t expecting to actually see the mating take place so was surprised when it happened right before my eyes.

Afterwards the couple were very tender towards each other.

There is a heronry on the island in the middle of Hogganfield Loch. Here is a heron flying in with a twig to present to his favoured partner.

Herons say it with twigs …..

Meanwhile other water birds were trying to look their most attractive. Here is a goldeneye drake sparkling in the sunshine.

Here is a tufted duck showing off his handsome tuft.

This canada goose came close to the edge of the loch for a preen.

A few weeks back I came across about a dozen goosanders mingling on a pond close to home. I’d never seen them there before and they didn’t stay long. However on one sunny afternoon they seemed to be having a bit of a preening and pairing up party.

The drakes have dark green heads while the hens have brown crested heads. They came out of the water for a preen at the waters edge.

There are always lots of coots tooting around on the water. Here is a close up of one scratching an itch with its dusky blue foot.

The wonders of nature are right next to us all if we just take the time to go out and keep our eyes and ears open. All for free and some of the best therapy for us humans.