Leaving the 73 bus

We went to Tottenham Court Road but only briefly. We took the 73 bus but had to disembark early and walk because of bus diversions owing to road works. We sat at the back of the bus and left by the rear door, hence the slightly unusual viewpoint of the photo.

Wagtail
Photo by Tigger

Near Euston Square Station we spotted this wagtail prospecting for food. These speedy little birds used to be rare in towns but we are now seeing more and more of them. It seems that they are taking over the niche vacated by sparrows.

Tottenham Court Road and BT Tower

We reached Tottenham Court Road and went into Hema but it was crowded, so we left. We thought of visiting Flying Tiger but saw there was a queue for admission so gave up on the idea.

The Fitzrovia Mural
Photo by Tigger

This painting on the side of a building is known as the Fitzrovia Mural. Originally painted as a protest against property developers, it has become famous and has recently been repainted.

Front garden, Pentonville Road

Having exhausted the charms of Tottenham Court Road we returned to the Angel where I photographed this meadow-style lawn in a front garden. There is a campaign to leave lawns to grow naturally, to the benefit of wildlife, especially at this time of year. Observation suggests that the idea is catching on.

Looking down Milne Street

We walked through Claremont Square and Milne Street where this view was taken.

Myddelton Square

We walked round Myddelton Square, familiar territory, but which never loses it charm for us. The parakeets could be heard chattering in the trees.

Up for grabs

Someone has left furniture and other items out in the street. If there’s anything here you fancy, you’d better hurry!

Pretty window boxes

I admired this set of three pretty window boxes.

Coffee and Portuguese custard tarts
Photo by Tigger

When we reached Myddelton’s deli, the weather had improved enough to make us feel we could sit at their tables to drink our coffee. I suggested that as it was Saturday, we could spring to Portuguese custard tarts, a suggestion that received immediate favour!

Looking up Lloyd Street

Afterwards, we went for a further walk. We passed through Lloyd Square and I took a photo looking up Lloyd Street. If the names seem repetitious it is because the land hereabouts once belonged to the Lloyd Baker estate.

“Grecian revival”?

I have seen the style of these admittedly elegant houses in Lloyd Square described as “Grecian revival”, presumably on account of the triangular pediments. I’m not sure how accurate a description that is, given that these houses seen to me typical examples of the Georgian style common to the area.

Dramatic skyscape

The sky was cloudy but with gaps that allowed the sun to shine at intervals. The result was dramatic skyscapes and because the air was moist, the sun’s rays were often visible like searchlight beams.

Prideaux Place

We passed through Prideaux Place which is a short street between late 1920s or early 1939s apartment blocks with a few houses at one end. It seems to be a pleasant place to live.

Handsome trees

I admired these handsome trees that are in the process of dressing themselves in spring green. For a while we watched a magpie in the nearer tree as he hopped about, pulling at twigs. At last he found one that came loose. He was then faced with the difficulty of getting it free of the foliage so that he could fly off with it, presumably as nest-building material. Perseverance paid off in the end!

Beautiful flowers in Bevin Court
Photo by Tigger

We walked back home through Bevin Court where Tigger photographed these lovely flowers.

Leaning tree

I photographed this leaning tree because it intrigued me. What caused it to lean? Does this disadvantage it at all? It seems healthy enough with fresh green leaves growing on it.

Bevin Court’s “meadow lawn”

My last photo was of this lawn in Bevin Court that had been allowed to grow freely, like a meadow. I am sure this benefits wildlife, so I hope they continue to keep it like this.