Crystal Palace Park and Dinosaurs
While strolling through the park one day, in the merry merry month of May (at the southern end),
I was taken by surprise, by a pair of roguish eyes,
I was scared but I didn’t run away,
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:-).
“Me too”.
El Magnifico.
El Sticko.
“I keep throwing the stick but El Thicko keeps bringing it back. I hope it doesn’t start a trend”.
“Did somebody say stick”.
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“My tongue’s thwollen”. More squirrels here⇐.
Coot Chicks more here ⇐.
This is all at the southern end of Crystal Palace Park.
Heironymous.
“Bosch, got it”.
“Come here, me little Jacky, now aw’ve smoked mi backy
Have a bit o’ cracky, till the boat comes in
Dance ti’ th’ daddy, sing ti’ th’ mammy, dance ti’ th’ daddy, my little man
You shall have a fishy on a little dishy
You shall have a fishy when the boat gets in.”
Near the café at the southern (lowest) end of the park.
This is from the northern (highest) end of the park.
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The upper terraces were once the site of the Crystal Palace. Crystal (Glass) Palace was originally sited in Hyde Park and housed the Great Exhibition⇒ from 1851 to 1854 then the whole thing was moved to Penge and the Park created. The structure was burned down in 1936 but the park remains and, once a year, is used for a race of classic/vintage cars⇐.
On the upper terraces can be found four of these (two at each end). Currently being refurbished they are actually caged to prevent further attacks upon tourists. 😀
If visiting the park it makes more sense to start at the northern (high) end at or the mid area (right next to Crystal Palace station), walk down hill (for the dinosaurs and ponds) and then escape by using Penge West rail station. And, I hope you enjoy your days out.
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Herons
The Grey Heron is resident in the UK and can be found near rivers and lakes. Although it is a water bird it does not have webbed feet and does not swim. They catch their prey of fish, small birds, frogs and molluscs by standing at the water edge. They will also feed upon rodents in fields. There is a broad variety of Heron species, some of which are called Egrets or Bitterns and some species have been known to use bait.
This one, photographed at the east end of Regents Park, was difficult to get close to. Unlike swans, geese and ducks they don’t feed of human gifts unless you happen to have a live fish about you.
Another shot of a Heron at (click on) Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park
Upon Refection I’m Twice the Bird I Used To Be 🙂
Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens
23 Pics – Holland park is considered one of the most interesting parks and places to photograph in London with many features and a range of flora and fauna. The north of the park is mostly woodland whilst the south has more formal gardens, an ecology centre, large play area and cafe. There are lawn areas throughout the park to relax on.
Please click on any picture to enlarge. Getting There⇒ History⇒
Holland Park
Peacocks can just about fly but usually have their wings clipped. There is another one later
Some of the flora near the southern end,
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This is just south of the Belvedere restaurant, which can be seen in the background.
Just north of the Belvedere is this water feature within a courtyard.
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.. and in the same courtyard.
Continuing along the path.
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Whereas, taking the first right after the building there is an arts and craft shop and a little further on the Holland Park Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
A few steps further north are the formal gardens, featuring the Dutch Garden.
The Dutch Gardens
These fellows look like hungry chicks.
Here’s the rest of the family.
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A few steps further north, on the east to west path.
There is some controversy as to why peacocks have such extravagant plumage. I discovered what must be the real reason by accident. Some years ago a few friends and I where enjoying a picnic in one of the royal parks. Opposite under a tree was a mature peacock quietly enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the shade. Between us a group ducks and geese began to gather. About thirty of them.
The peacock was not perturbed until the group of wildfowl grew closer to his quiet domain and began to squabble. Up came the peacock’s plume and he began to shake the quills creating a deafening racket. With the spread of eyes and a sound like many snakes rattling and hissing it was a stunning apparition. The ducks and geese thought so too. They all began running towards us trying to get aloft. We had to duck down (no pun intended) to avoid getting struck. It seems they were so scared of the apparition that they were quite oblivious to our presence.
I’m sure that the plumage does have a mating advantage. Not because it’s pretty but because scares off predators.
A little further on .. 
A little further still.
Kyoto Gardens
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“Upon reflection, I’m twice the bird I used to be”.
Kyoto gardens is not quite as big as it may appear but is nevertheless a very pleasant garden of contemplation with some seating at the edges.
A couple more flowers to end.
.. and Thank You for visiting Freed from Time.
Freed From Time 