Floral WWT at London Wetland Centre... amazing colour

Haven't been over Barnes for a while so, despite gathering cloud, paid a visit today. It's quiet at the moment in human terms; think all are away on their hols.

I was hoping to see the female Marsh Harrier that had been sighted on Thursday but, no luck I'm afraid.

The clouds started to go and some weak sunshine followed; the flowers in the wildflower garden really glowed and made up for any lack of sun.

Over on the Wader Scrape, a Green Sandpiper. It wouldn't come any nearer which was a pity.

And a "woolly jumper" sat contentedly amongst the grass and flowers

A Spider Wasp... think it's the only one there this year.

and Dragons darted about..

a Migrant Hawker (unless anyone tells me otherwise?)

And, amazingly, this female Mallard had some very young ducklings. They never came out from Mum's protection but there were at least five of them.

I headed off in the early afternoon with plans to go elsewhere but.... it chucked it down!! Perhaps tomorrow...

and I've still to post some more of my trip to the Cotswolds....