Urban birding at Hull: A walk to East Park in February

A very blustery, but rewarding walk to East Park. To start with, a flock of Siskins were chattering from cover on the first island. I walked along the lake and then moved into the core of the park in search for cover and some passerines. In the small pond in the thicket area, a Goldcrest came down for a bath. Four Coal Tits were singing around the park.

Siskin.

Goldcrest with photobombing singing Robin.

Singing Coal Tit.

Old wasp's nest.

Most water birds were sheltering on the leeward side of the islands. Three Shovelers (that counts like a flock, right?), 1 Gadwall, 5 drake Pochard, 40 Tufted Ducks and Goosanders. Added Great Crested Grebe and Lesser Black-backed Gull to Local Big Year now at 64 sp.

A pale leucistic greylag, by it's behaviour and its mate's I think this one is a female.

One of the five drake Pochard, as usual sleeping on the central island.

Grey Heron, keeping well hidden in one of the islands.

The drake Gadwall was feeding by filtering the water.

The light was beautiful to show the subtle colours of the Gadwall.

A flock of three Shoveler, including a drake, were present.

Preening time for a female Goosander and the Great-Crested Grebe.

This was my first Great-crested Grebe this year. East Park is the only reliable place for them in Hull.

Female Goosander.

Female Goosander. It was partially opening (like in the photo) and closing its wings.

Lesser Black-backed Gull with Tufted Ducks. It was the first Lesser Black-backed Gull of the year, although I regard them as summer migrants, they are often the first ones back.