A Day of two parts.

This morning I visited the London Wetland Centre at Barnes - it's a pity the birds didn't. The standard notice posted by the LWT and showing by the visitor's centre proclaimed the presence of the Bittern today - it was hiding by the time I got there. I did see the Woodcock again in the same place as before; and as before is was buried in the reeds so no pictures again!

Nothing out of the ordinary and, in fact, the passerines etc. were in short supply as well even around the feeders. It's that time of the year again.

At the entrance to the reserve is a statue of Sir Peter Scott and two further statues of Swans. This year, as did last year, a Mute Swan has built its nest underneath Sir Peter's feet. I wonder if it's the same swan? No sign of eggs yet but it was still nest building following its nap!

A bit further along, was a Grey Heron

Many Tufties (tufted ducks) about


and much evidence of spring with buds bursting open.


After some essential food shopping and having grabbed a quick snack at home, I headed off for Bushey Park in the afternoon. The birds on the Boating Lake were in short supply but many of the Black-headed Gulls were becoming - just that - black headed!! The light by now was dreadful!

I wanted to check on the two Egyptian Geese Goslings that I'd seen on 22 February. in the Woodland Garden. They were in the same spot with Mum and Dad and had grown a little. There appears to be a distinct difference in size (and colouring) between the two goslings.

The lighter coloured gosling is bigger than its darker coloured sibling.

Synchronised preening..


and blossom on one of the trees in the Woodland Garden.

Let's hope for more birds and better light for tomorrow!