At Blackford Pond

I ventured as far as Blackford Pond today - I couldn't stay away much longer - and checked up on the various bird families. The six cygnets are growing fast, the latest coot chicks are the smallest birds around, but seem quite confident swimming across the pond. I didn't see the oldest coots chicks, whose parents are the same as the youngest, so maybe they have moved on. The middle family of coots are developing the white "bald patch". I saw one of the little grebes, but the other one may still be around. It doesn't look as if they will be breeding this year.

Go large for a close up of the feathers.

All went well as regards my hip, only a bit of an ache, but nothing serious at all. Still waiting to hear from the Royal about the next steps, when I can go back to normal life. It's strange how imposing restrictions has made me feel like an invalid although I have no pain.