All it takes is a bit of sunshine and, so it seems, the local wildlife organize themselves a bit of a sports day.

Here are the greylags, neck and neck in the 50 metre dash.

Neck and neck

They weren’t all as quick. This one got left at the starting gate.

Dipping a toe in?

The moorhens were also busy. Here’s my favourite taking part in a high speed sprint across the pond.

Just look at those legs go!

Meanwhile, at the far end of the pond, the rats were taking things more sedately in ‘the rodent marathon’ swimming race.

Keeping your head above water.

As for the mallards. No, they were taking it easy, laughing and joking at all the watery antics. Their time will come!

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.