Thursday, 27 August 2026

Birds and Pelicans - including an adult feeding a chick - in St. James's Park on 21st August 2026

The first bird I came across during my walk in St. James's Park was this lovely Bar-headed goose

I found five of the six adult Great White Pelicans gathered together on a small piece of land near the bridge.  They were resting at first, then they started to move about.



Across the bridge and further along the park, all four young Pelican chicks were standing together in foliage at the edge of the lake


The chicks eventually were completely hidden in the foliage so I wandered further along the lake where I saw a Black and a Mute Swan swimming along together

The Mute Swan was quickly seen off by another swan and the Black Swan continued alone

An adult Great Crested Grebe was accompanied by a stripey chick


Barnacle goose feeding near the lake

I was sitting on a bench when three Great White Pelicans swam by. I got up and followed them.

The adults were heading towards the chicks, which were waiting at the edge of the lake


One adult landed and the other two swam off towards the nesting island at the end of the lake

A hungry chick was following and squawking at the adult

Two chicks were following the adult

but only one got fed - by sticking its beak down the adult's throat in order to get some regurgitated fish!


After being fed, the chick was chasing the adult as it wanted more food

which it got!  Looks as though the adult is eating the chick in these photos!



Peace restored after lunch with all four chicks standing on a log with the adult nearby



Later, there was wing-flapping exercise - though all four chicks have pinioned wings and can't fly

They are most amazing creatures - and only a few months old

All four chicks standing at the edge of the lake, with the adult in the centre

It was time to go home after the feeding session and I saw a Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser - both female - before I left the park

 

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