Urban Birding at Hull: December Freezing Fog at East Park

A short drive to East Park today to check on the waterfowl. Thick freezing fog, the hoar on the trees and grass makes the park look magical. A lost Canada Geese calls regularly, trying to reconnect with the flock. Flocks of Goldfinches feed on the Alder catkins around the park.

A young Goosander drake, still some dark feathers on its chest and a female (above) preen on the main lake.

Female Goosander.

Drake Goosander.

Drake Goosander looking under the water.

I scan the central island, which is a sheltered area, away from disturbance. A Teal hides under overhanging ivy, five drake Pochards slumber with a drake Wigeon and a Great Crested Grebe.

Pochard and Wigeon.

Many Black-headed Gulls, keeping an eye on anything that dives. They are not disappointed as the Goosander flock that winters in the park is growing in size. 

Greylag flock grazing.

Several Goldfinch flocks on alder cones.

This Black-headed gull came right up to me.

Goldcrest.

Mistle Thrush.

The regular Grey Heron on the central island.

At least 11 male Goosanders and three females on the eastern side of the main lake, they were first fishing, pestered by Black-headed gulls, which await when they are fishing in case they can snatch a catch, as they do to Great Crested Grebes. Afterwards, the Goosanders decided to do a bit of preening (above). They are quite social and often dive in synchrony, the wing flapping was also done one.

Tufted Ducks.

Red-crested Pochard.

There is a pair of Mute Swans on the boating lake, the fog has lifted and the weak winter sun shines. The female swan starts bobbing slowly, the feathers at the top of her neck erect, then she preens her back, then shakes her head. The male follows her slowly, his neck straight, occasionally flicking its head up and uttering a soft snort.