Game of Thrones-esque wildlife

So. You're sitting in St James's Park, enjoying your ice cream and telling yourself that it doesn't break your diet rules because ice cream is, after all, mostly ice, and reading a novel of doubtful intellectual value.

Life is bliss.

UNTIL THE GIANT CROW COMES.

'Excuse me,' you splutter politely, 'is that a euphemism?'

Absolutely not, you disgusting elfling. It most certainly isn't.

You've been watching far too much Game of Thrones.

But anyway, if giant crows are your kind of thing, and you want to do what Bran Stark does without all the polar trekking, then go to St James's Park this instant, because with visitor number soaring due to the warm (in Britain, warm means anything above freezing point) means that there are plenty of tourists and lunchers merrily feeding these giant birds of doom.

You have been warned.

Till next time,

Elf Dryadalis

Buckingham Palace

Haha! In this picture it looks like I'm bigger than the entire Palace! Actually, I'm only a small elf - it only looks like this because I came from St James's Park, and from this viewpoint I can see the whole building.

Since 1837 it's been the official residence of the monarch, and it's therefore famous as being where the Queen lives.

I know the Queen's in today because the Union Jack is fluttering high. If it's down, it means the Queens visiting one of her other castles. I wonder if the Queen can see me?

I've just pressed the button, so I can cross to get a better look. The railings behind me are used when everyone's here in an excited crowd. I think they look like giant climbing frames for elves.

These are high arches around the Palace. They're painted gold, and it makes them look very regal.

And here I am outside the main gates to Buckingham Palace! It's not possible to go inside (although sometimes, when the Queen is away, people are allowed to pay some money and look inside at the State Rooms.

He looks very fierce, doesn't he? This soldier is standing outside Buckingham Palace to guard the Royal Family - there are several of them and they stand still for hours, even though it's really hot, and they're wearing long-sleeved uniforms and those great big helmets!

When they change positions (so they can get a bit of rest), it's called the Changing of the Guard, and it's very popular, so lots of people watch them.

Luckily for me, though, I don't have to stand still for so long! So I could look at this golden statue, which is part of The Queen Victoria Memorial. It's right outside Buckingham Palace, and it flashes in the sunlight so everyone can see it.

Eww. This was smelly. It wasn't by me, honest! I'm a very well trained elf.

There are lots of horses in London. Sometimes the police ride horses around London, so maybe one of their horses saw the golden statue and pooped in surprise!

I'll see you later (I need to find some perfume),

E. D.

St James's Park: Swans and Pigeons

There are lots of swans walking around St James's Park, and I stayed as still as I could whilst this one paced leisurely behind me. It was really big (though it's hard to tell from the picture). All swans belong to the Queen, so I made sure I was very polite around it.

And here's a duck from the lake. They're not afraid of people at all! If you stand by the edge of the lake, they swim towards you, hoping that you might have a little treat for them. This one is preparing to wade back into the water, perhaps to cool off.

Mr Pigeon here is laying down the law! I don't think it was talking to me in particular though, since I prefer to walk rather than cycle (there's more time to enjoy the view).

See you soon,

E. D.

St James's Park: Sunshine and flowers

Mmm. I love the feel of the sun on my skin!

Lots of people were thinking the same thing; there were loads of families and couples laying on the grass and soaking up the rays. Since the park is so big, though, there was room for everyone, including me!

I bet you can't find me! I'm hiding in the long grass.

There are many public walkways through the park, and this fence I'm climbing on (it's okay, it was very low so I was quite safe) separates off the area reserved for wildlife.

Some people were feeding the ducks and squirrels; I'll write more about them later!

I'm now going to walk across the bridge.

There's a little lake in the middle of the park, and a sky-blue bridge crosses it. Can you see in the background? Just to the side of me is my first glimpse of Buckingham Palace! There are so many trees that it looks like the Palace has been framed by them.

And opposite is a view of the London Eye! I tried waving at the people in the capsules but I wasn't sure if they could see me.

Phew. A well-earned rest, I think. There are quite a few benches throughout the park, so I could take a leisurely stroll without fearing I'd tire myself out.

Well rested now, I'm trying to fit my hand inside this pink foxglove. Summer in London means the flowers are looking beautiful, and there are many flowerbeds in St James's Park.

There are even some blue ones too, which are taller than me!

Whilst I gather my notes on the wildlife, I'll sign off for now.

E. D.

Walking towards St James's Park

Well, isn't this patriotic?

I'm walking towards St James' Park, and couldn't resist taking a photograph with this Union Jack. There are loads of flags all along the road, which isn't surprising since at the end of the road is Buckingham Palace!

And here I am, being a bit cheeky and riding Mark Wallinger's 'The White Horse Sculpture' which is visible on the right when approaching St James' Park from the Charing Cross side. There is a sign on the ground saying , 'Do not climb on the horse', but I couldn't resist! The horse was okay, though, and I don't think she minded!

This is the approach to St James' Park - I took this as a crossed the road from the horse sculpture. Look at the blue sky! It was such a sunny day.

Above my head you can see even more Union Jacks fluttering in the breeze. I'll finish crossing the road, and then I'll show you some more.