[null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://stephens-views.blogspot.com/2014/03/goose.html", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ06JHlOOnc/UxXifx9srkI/AAAAAAAALvc/AripIXJTTn0/s1600/Blackthorn+09.JPG", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ06JHlOOnc/UxXifx9srkI/AAAAAAAALvc/AripIXJTTn0/s1600/Blackthorn+09.JPG", "formatted_filename": "Blackthorn", "rendered_width": 400, "rendered_height": 300}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://stephens-views.blogspot.com/2014/03/goose.html", "unformatted_src": "http://www.rogerbutterfield.co.uk/files/3985/uknhb7.jpg", "src": "http://www.rogerbutterfield.co.uk/files/3985/uknhb7.jpg", "formatted_filename": "uknhb", "alt_text": "UK & Eire Natural History Bloggers"}, null, null, null, null, null]


It wasn't just the Coots which were actively preening and primping themselves around Straw's Bridge yesterday.  The Canada Geese too were having a bit of a wash and brush up. Having sorted out their plumage, they were naturally, keen to show themselves off to anyone who was interested.  Strutting along the water's edge, they made quite a handsome sight. Some were looking on in admiration (or was it envy?) at the Mute Swans as they glided by looking even more 'salon-fresh'. The Blackthorn bushes around the lake were also looking rather fine in the sunshine, particularly when viewed against the clear, blue sky. Posted by Stephen Greenacre at 14:30:00