Preparing to nest?

Going through Bushy Park today I saw this pair of Egyptian geese at the top of a dead tree trunk. Although they are natives of sub- tropical Africa they have been in the U.K. since late 17C when brought here as an ornamental entail bird for the lakes of country gentlemen. Apparently their preferred nesting place is large holes in trees so this pair has got lucky! It is usually the first of the geese and ducks to nest and may have up to ten young.

There was still some ice on the lakes nearby at lunchtime but nice to see sun again.

The car park was nearly full so lots of people out walking today.