Without doubt, the star of the bird world this year is the stunning goldfinch.

There seems to have been a population explosion and I see and hear them everywhere I go. They are certainly the most numerous species in my neighbourhood.

Very sociable, they flock together in large numbers constantly twittering their canary-like song  even when feeding, two to each nyger  seed dispenser staying for anything up to ten minutes at a time gorging on the tiny seeds.

When satisfied, they fly down to the pond, stand on a lily pad, drink and bathe. The adults have brought their fledged young to join them on the feeders. Juveniles are as yet a dull image of their parents exotic colouration with plain light brown heads, well illustrated the accompanying photo.

While undoubtedly sociable, they do sometimes briefly dispute their turn at the feeders with much wing flapping, vocalisation and gesturing until they sort themselves out.

Surprisingly perhaps the young birds more than hold their own and refuse to give way once established.

While on the subject of rare avian success stories, the  Kingston Thames-side swallows  have extended  their nesting sites along the towpath and its environs and it is a joy to watch the bluebirds speeding along just above the surface snapping up mayflies.

Two broods have fledged and there could even be a third on the way.