All Change

Our walk this morning was conducted under blue skies and bright sunshine and was surprisingly warm by the time we headed home.
At Mapperley Reservoir, there were plenty of Coots arguing amongst themselves as usual and on the railings a group of Black-headed Gulls were preening and looking wonderful in the sunshine.

At this time of year, these gulls have all changed their plumage and have lost the black head markings (actually brown, but lets not split hairs) and are sporting a simple, dark spot behind the eye. They have however, retained their deep red bills and legs.

Well known to be noisy and irascible, these individuals seemed too busy sorting out their appearance to be bothered with fighting and squawking at each other.

On a nearby roof-top  this morning, I was delighted to see a Mistle Thrush enjoying the early sun.

Mistle Thrushes are the largest member of the Thrush family and get their name from the Mistletoe, the fruits of which are a great favourite.

They often sing their loud and fluty song in wet, windy weather, leading to their old common name of 'Stormcock.' A fine way to start the day.