Barnes and Bushy

This morning was beautiful; clear blue sky and the sun shone brilliantly and its warmth could be felt. I headed off to the London Wetland Centre for some birds. The Bittern had been seen (and photographed) walking across the ice - but it was nowhere to be seen this morning. There were very few birds about and also few people.

Very few little birds about either - a few Long-tailed Tits were flitting high up but not much else stirred the branches.

Most of the birds worth a photograph were the usual ones but good to see nonetheless! Although most of them decided to leave as I arrived.

The Christmas Robin of course - always a favourite..

High overhead a gull soared past..

A crow found a meal in the top of the tree

Whilst a starling shone in the sunlight..

This magpie saw me coming and decided it wasn't hanging around..

and another crow decided this tree was worth of closer inspection - coming in to land!

Excellent sunshine for showing of this male Mallard's colours..

and a Moorhen gingerly walked across the frozen water

(my apologies for the large size of the previous pictures - forgot to change the settings!!)

Called in at Bushy Park on the way back. Numerous gulls around and the Boating Pond was mostly frozen. However, this made for some pictures of birds in reflective mood!

A gull talking to itself..

Female Mallard

Medley of birds in reflection..

This Canada Goose had difficulty on the ice..

and this Coot could hardly keep upright without flapping its wings..

And away from the water, a Jackdaw had a scratch.

After this the light was fading so home for the usual cuppa.....