Grey

Another grey day.  Really, it's getting a bit boring.  It's also not getting any warmer, as was demonstrated by our walk this morning.  The weather was not the only thing which was grey however.  On 'Swan Lake' this morning, a single Greylag Goose was seen swimming about among the Canada Geese, Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Coots, Moorhens and Black-headed Gulls.

Greylags have the scientific name of Anser anser which means - literally - Goose goose.  The 'goosiest' goose we have in Britain and the largest of our native breeds.  It is also the ancestor of most forms of domestic goose.  
Greylags make very good 'guard dogs' when kept in captivity, well known for their belligerent attitude and willingness to attack anyone who invades their territory.  This one seemed rather subdued and quiet.

The other Grey bird we saw this morning was a Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea).

Unfortunately, the dull weather, coupled with the darkness of it's riverside habitat, made taking pictures rather tricky, so these pictures are a bit grainy and blurred, but the bright, yellow colour of the under parts of this little bird, made it well worth the effort.