Do birds have values? - # 77

This heron occupies the territory along the Richmond quay side and around. He is very confident and seems to be quite happy to display himself. He knows that if anyone gets too close he can easily fly off and sit on a boat at a safe distance. I wonder what he thinks about himself and his world. Is he aware of himself as we are? Watching the birds and animals that share our "urbanised space" I am fascinated to see how they operate and behave. They are certainly not stupid! I once watched a crow fold an extra long piece of nesting material into three too make it a convenient size to fly off with, exactly as I would have folded a long piece of string to put away in my tool box.

Crown of Spring - # 76

Crown Imperials flanking the steps up to the main door at Ham House.

Spring in the city - # 75

.....turning a sharp bend in the road I was suddenly amazed by the scene. The natural beauty of this grouping of trees is truly remarkable. The cedar tree is probably 300 yrs old. Spring has dressed the others in their full blossom of red, white, and leaves of soft green. This is the A307, a very narrow but extremely busy urban road linking Richmond to Kingston, at the point where it passes the Fox and Duck pub and the long "Eastern Avenue" approach to Ham House.

The cafes of Richmond 7 - # 74

Fortunately, there is a Starbuck's immediately next door to the Russell and Bromley shoe shop. How convenient!!!..............and they have wi-fi.

Desire v Common Sense - # 73

...............a/k/a "Helping your Daughter to buy Shoes". Guess who chose the red ones. ;-)

A walk around Richmond Park 7 - # 72

The Park is home to red deer and fallow deer. Here we see fallow deer grazing on the lower meadow land on the north side near Roehampton Gate. Look carefully at the centre of the herd and you will see an all white albino. I was surprised.

This lower, flat area is loved by model plane enthusiasts and a special flying site has been provided. I crashed my radio controlled glider here. I tried to dump speed when landing. I tried a controlled stall, but over-corrected the recovery, and learned a nasty lesson......no more nice model glider!!

A walk around Richmond Park 6 - # 71

Another gem in the centre of the Park is the approx 8 hectare (17 acres?) Isabella Plantation. This photo is not a special set piece - it is simply a typical shot of anywhere in the garden. The damp acid soil is planted with rhododendrons, heathers, azaleas and there are numerous small drainage streams where beautiful water and shade-loving plants flourish. The clearings have ponds full of Mallard and Muscovy ducks and coots. Soon the azaleas will appear....the colour display will be stunning. You can only reach the Isabella Plantation by walking some miles across the park (carefully passing the herds of red and fallow deer), but there is special provision for cars to bring disabled people right up to it, and electric powered chairs are provided. This is one of London's "must see" spots if you are a long-stay visitor.