Oh good, just what we needed.

Today I ventured further afield, to Valentine's Park in Ilford. I wanted to see the nesting Herons, apparently the first nearby for quite some time. The pond they have chosen is tiny, Heronry Pond in Wanstead Park would be far more suitable. Jealous, moi? The nest was predictably massive, and though I've never been there, very easy to find. The chicks are full-sized now and with five birds I am amazed there is any aquatic life left. Perhaps they could start on the squirrels? These were not backwards in going forwards, often approaching to within about 5cm of us, and thus scaring Pudding. A lot. I don't know what I have done to deserve this but all of my children are scared by almost all living creatures. As an animal lover (excluding Wanstead-based dogs) and amateur naturalist this pains me a great deal. Happily we avoided a Veruca Salt moment...


Anyway, it's rather nice, much more manicured than Wanstead Park. If you have low listing standards you should pay a visit, as it also has Muscovy and Wood Ducks. It also has lots and lots of Coot chicks. Fantastic. Some more docile, calm, friendly and good-natured Coots, how lovely. Agressive to the point of scary? You must have the wrong bird. When I look at Coots playfully chasing each other across lakes and ponds, a feeling of intense calm washes over me. I just wish there were more of them.

"Resistance is futile"