Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Four Great White Pelican chicks and flowers in St. James's Park - 6th August 2026

I visited St. James's Park again in the hope of seeing the Great White Pelican chicks on the island

Three of them were still hiding there - one was stretching out towards the water 

It moved to a more visible position, blending in well with the shade and background - though with considerably lighter-coloured feathers than a few weeks ago


There was some sparring going in with a sibling

Chick and a parent standing at the edge of the island with their heads hidden by greenery

There were two adults on the island and one decided it was time to leave

The other stood next to a chick that was hidden by leaves before it too decided to leave the island

Three sets of young legs!

Two of the Pelican chicks were flapping away under the tree

I then walked to Pelican Rock, at the other end of the island, where the fourth chick was sitting in the sun with some adults

One adult was swimming near the rock

There were three adult Great White Pelicans on the rock with the chick and a Cormorant

They were then joined by the swimming Pelican

Pretty Eucomis/Pineapple Lilies in the flowerbed near Horseguards Parade


Waterfall by the flowerbed

Close view of the Water Lily in the pond at the bottom of the waterfall

Lovely orange Dahlias in the sunshine

Great show of yellow Rudbeckia flowers

Striking stripey Gazania flowers

Cabbage White butterfly on Verbena

I then went back to the Pelican island, but there were no Pelicans there
I found them on the other side, at the edge of the lake, when I walked further along the path.  

Adult and a youngster

Hard to believe that these monsters are only about three months old!
They are same size or larger than mum!

Preening time

Showing off time - though a wing has been pinioned so the bird can't fly

You looking at me?

They certainly like looking after their feathers



Snapping at some nearby pigeons!


Three synchronised chicks

Sparring partners

A pigeon flies safely past the three huge Pelican chicks

My visit to the park turned out to be a Pelican fest!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment