Dull, dull, dull....but

Well - the morning dawned. The only evidence of this was the slight improvement in the light from the total darkness of night. Another grey grey day. I really faffed about this morning trying to decide what to do. Whilst I was staring out into the garden, a bird landed on the fat feeder which is not far from the (very dirty!!) window. And - to my surprise and delight - it was a Reed Bunting - in my garden!! I'm still trying to believe this. I think it's a male his winter clothing; but, as usual, if anyone knows different then I'm very pleased to learn more.

My garden list for 2010 is not looking too bad at the moment.

Blue, Great, Long-tailed and Coal Tits

Green and Goldfinches and Chaffinches

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Siskins

Magpies

Feral Pigeon

Ring-necked Parakeets

Jackdaws

Wood Pigeons

Ring-necked Doves

Nuthatch

Blackcap (male)

Song Thrush and

Reed Bunting

and, equally amazingly, a Redpoll

Blackbird

Starling

Jay

Dunnock

Robin

Edited to add Starling, Jay, Robin and Dunnock - how could I have forgotten them - they're all regular visitors!

24 species so far - quite happy about that considering we're only 23 days into the year :D

plus: Fox, Squirrel and Common Frog (yes - 1 in the pond!!)

Today's little star in the garden.

I finally decided on a trip over to Barnes (London Wetland Centre) - arriving a bit later than usual.

I started out around the Wildside as this is where the Bitterns have been seen mostly. I then spotted a rarity (aka) - the Pete!! We wandered on.

These American Whistling Ducks were having a mutual preen but the light was dreadful and I was too late in getting the "aw" shot!

In the Wildside hide a Bittern was in view - skulking as usual but definitely there! Masses of Tufties, Shovellers, and Teal and several of the other regulars.

In a few weeks, these male Mallards won't be content sitting next to each other on a fence!

Nothing much about in terms of small birds. We headed off for the cafe for a cuppa (and some chips! oh dear.....!! :D)

Pete then left to enjoy his journey back and I wander around the other side. There have been two Water Rails in the same spot for a few days now; and you can hear them - very easily. See them - ah now that's a different story. BUT today I was in luck. Another birder/photographer was watching and listening - I wandered around the side and found - perched up -

That's the picture that made the day.....:D

I then wandered over to the Peacock Tower; a Jack Snipe was bobbing about and someone let me have a sighting through their scope - lovely.

And that was it. At the risk of sounding very very boring (or even more boring than usual) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE could we have some sun!! Preferably at a weekend so everyone can enjoy it.