My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
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Wednesday 7 September 2011

London Wetland Centre... quiet? or was it

Went over to the London Wetland Centre at Barnes today to meet a friend of Pete's who was visiting the centre for the first time.

It was very very quiet in terms of birds. Several Cormorants and Grey Herons - the numbers are buildng now. Several Teal around in addition to the numerous ducks that are regulars there.

Was great to see a Ruff and Snipe from the Peacock Tower and another Snipe elsewhere.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker dropped by onto one of the feeders (which needed filling!! - please note WWF Barnes if you're reading this?)

A pair of Great Crested Grebes and a family of Little Grebes also added to the day's sightings.

I'd suggested to Trev that even though the wild birds were short on supply at least there would be some photo opportunities in the Collection birds. Wrong!! This was the day that they were giving health checks to most of the birds and, not only were there a lack of birds on display, but some of the water areas had been drained to enable easier captivity of the birds. Another time perhaps!!

However, these youngsters were growing up (Whistling ducks I think) and being protected from predators.

The pair of Black Swans entertained for a bit

And Mute Swans were reasonably active.


This was the only non-bird wildlife around today.. a Migrant Hawker?

One of two Little Grebe chicks growing up...



An enjoyable day even though the lack of birds; thanks for your company Trev and... better luck next time! (Glad you enjoyed using the lens ;) )

7 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Brilliant photos, you've had a better day than we had. The first one are the Cuban Whistling Ducks, I think.

Jamie Wyver said...

Wonderful photos as ever, Tricia! And I hope Trev enjoyed his first visit.

r.e. the bird feeders: throughout summer, while there's plenty of natural food around for birds in the wild, and the wardens need to prioritise their habitat management work, we don't top the feeders up as regularly as we would in winter. However as the weather gets colder they will be filling the feeders frequently.

Jamie Wyver, WWT London Wetland Centre

oldcrow61 said...

Great shots. The black swan is a beauty.

Anonymous said...

Hi Trica.

Well its good to be back on your blog. I see you aint lost the nack of your in flight photos very nice
too.
Love the photo of the Black Swan.

Be glad when the migrents return.


paul.

Tricia Ryder said...

Hi Bob... many thanks..Definitely Whistling Ducks but wasn't sure which sort...

Jamie - thanks for stopping by and leaving the explanation...

OC - thank you as usual :D

Paul.... I'm so pleased to see you here again... :D and thank you as ever...

Tricia Ryder said...

and Paul.... I agree; hope the migrants are here soon.....

Midmarsh John said...

Great shot of the Migrant Hawker in flight. Not an easy subject to say the least.

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