LAST LATE NIGHT FOR 2008.

Thursday, 11th September 2008.

How this year seems to have so quickly passed us by! It does not seem all that long ago since the Late Opening evenings were being greeted by the little band of ‘regulars’ that we seem to have the good fortune to meet every week. Although we have not used the bar-b-que area much this year, we really appreciate being able to access the rest of the site for hours after work!

YOUNG SWANS, THE ENTRANCE LAKE

Photo: Reg Norman

Both Leon and I were hoping for something a little ‘special’ this evening, just to mark the end of this particular set of ‘lates’. We were, of course, to be disappointed!Things didn’t look to good when we arrived at the site; there were about ten thousand young kids all lined up and ready to descend, like screeching Harpies, upon the poor, unsuspecting, birdwatching fraternity. Not taking any chances, we elbowed our way to the front, Leon was particularly swift with a few well-placed kicks to the shins and we were in!

NO BIRDS? ACT CASUAL!

Photo: Reg Norman

After getting kitted up in the Observatory we made our way to the Wildside area. There seemed to be absolutely no birds whatsoever in any of the trees. The whole area was deafeningly quiet! No little shapes could be seen to-ing and fro-ing amongst the foliage. There was even a distinct shortage of waterfowl as we scanned the small ponds in the area. Once again we remarked upon the number of flowers that were still to be seen as we made our way around. This was to be true of all the areas that we were to visit today. We eventually reached the Wildside hide, got ourselves comfortable in our usual seats, and settled down for some intense scrutiny of the Grazing Marsh. The whole of this area was now covered in lush grass with some brilliant splashes of colour dotted here and there.

ONE OF THE FEW!

Photo: Reg Norman

There were not many different species of birds to be seen so the session turned into one of observing individuals as they went about their daily business. I quite like this sort of ‘birding’ and once spent several hours, in the dead of winter, watching Coots and their interminable battles.

A LUSH GRAZING MARSH

Photo: Reg Norman

‘There it goes!’ cried Leon. He was right, it had gone! He had just seen a Hobby go careering past the window of the hide; missed by me because I had my bins pointed elsewhere and was too slow to react! ‘It was beautiful!’ he said. I am sure it was.

A VIEW FROM HEADLEY HIDE

Photo: Reg Norman

At this point we were joined a party of about twenty of the young children that we had seen earlier and I feared that my afternoon was about to be ruined with screeching and banging. There was no screeching and banging; in fact Leon controlled his temper very well! It was just as well because you could not have had a more considerate bunch of youngsters; they were extremely well behaved, and, they all spoke Spanish!We moved on, stopping at the Headley hide briefly, making our way to the restaurant, as Leon was hungry. The areas that we were able to see from the Headley hide were almost devoid of birds, although the site looked beautiful bathed in the late afternoon sunshine. I noticed that the Kingfisher bank was all but invisible behind lush vegetation. I wondered if they would be clearing it for next year?

THE KINGFISHER BANK. HONEST!

Photo: Reg Norman

Everywhere that we went now there were groups of impeccably behaved children, amazingly they all spoke Spanish as well!
Moving through ‘Waterlife’ it was the same story as for the rest of the site, almost devoid of any bird noises or small movements among the shrubs and bushes. Leon commented that he thought that this was probably the quietest day that he could remember at Barnes. I had to agree with him. Still, it was lovely walking around on such a beautiful day.There was something amusing as we passed the bird feeders; a Heron was perched on the top of one of them! It looked so out of place even though it was a bird on a feeder. It brought a smile to our faces, there seemed to be no birds in places that they should be, and, a bird where it shouldn’t be!

SEED LOVING HERON?

Photo: Leon Rusk

The walk around the Sheltered Lagoon was disappointing; usually you could count on seeing many small birds in this area but today there was next to nothing! As we finished our walk, near the Wader Scrape hide, we caught up with one of our friends. Thereze is the wife of John the chap that we have started visiting places with. This lady has a good knowledge of all things natural (she had been studying a very large slug as we approached) and it is always a pleasure to chat with her. We discussed the lack of any real sign of birds to which she wholly agreed although she did point out that there seemed to be a Tit flock in the area.

THE GHOSTLY QUIET LAGOON WALK

Photo: Reg Norman

Our friend moved off, to meet John in the Peacock Tower, and Leon and I made tracks for the ‘Scrape hide. The Tit flock appeared to be approaching at quite a speed as their sounds started to fill the air. We estimated that there were at least seventy birds in the flock, not only the Tits but Warblers and Finches as well! They were like a small cloud moving through the vegetation, all intent on having a good time or so it appeared! My favourites, as usual, were the Long Tails; I never tire of watching them because they always seem to be full of the love of life. We watched for what seemed like ages and loved every minute of it, probably appreciating the sight more for the lack of anything earlier on. We had tried to call Thereze to see the birds but she was already gone. To cap it all, whilst we were watching the birds a young fox had crept up behind us; she missed that as well! After a quick visit to the ‘Scrape hide we moved on to the Peacock Tower.

ONE OF THE YOUNG FOXES

Photo; Reg Norman

We were pleased to meet up with John once again and were also glad to see that another friend of ours, Philip, was also there for the last late day. We told our friend what she had missed and she motioned us to look towards the Sand Martin Bank where we could see a young fox sitting in, and enjoying, the sunshine!Although, once again, there was not a great deal to be seen, we stayed for quite a time enjoying the company. There were, in fact, quite a few ‘birders’ in the hide and they all seemed to be determined to make this last ‘late’ a good one. Many ‘birding’ stories were being swapped and, generally, a good time was had by all. As the light faded people started to drift away; as we left Leon reminded us that it was this day, last year, that we had stood outside the Peacock tower and watched a family of Hobbies chasing Sand Martins! It seemed like that happened only a few weeks ago!

THE GANG

Photo: Reg Norman

The bar-b-que appeared to be doing a good trade as we left; Leon and I were going to the ‘office’ and most of the others made their way into the restaurant for a well-earned cuppa! We said our ‘goodbyes’ and ‘hope to see each other soons’ although in our case it would only be a couple of days as we had made arrangements to go to Dungeness and its’ surrounding areas with John next Sunday!

SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO RESPECT!

Photo; Reg Norman

The ‘office’ was warm and welcoming, as usual, and we stayed for a while reminiscing and planning. A lot of our time seems to be like that, well spent.

OFFICE FLOWERS

Photo: Reg Norman

BIRDS SEEN: Canada Goose, Shoveller, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Mallard, Feral Pigeon, Cormorant, Lapwing, Gadwall, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Magpie, Hobby, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Heron, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Ring Necked Parakeet, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Lesser Whitethroat, Sand Martin, Teal, Ruff, Swallow, Great Crested Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, House Martin, Green Woodpecker, Redshank.

LATE NIGHT AT BARNES.

Thursday, 4th September 2008.

Some of our favourite times that we have spent at the Wetland Centre have been whilst attending the ‘late opening’ nights during the summer months. We usually travel down directly from work and so manage to get there fairly early. One can normally smell the bar-b-que before you enter the Visitor Centre; the food is well cooked and is already in preparation for the early participants. We stopped in the Observatory to kit up and were pleased to see a Ruddy Duck; the colour of his bill was almost fluorescent blue; absolutely stunning!You have to choose the way in which you traverse the site as the light changes with the weeks. Towards the end of the summer you need to visit the Peacock Tower as soon as you arrive in the afternoon; if you leave it too late the sun is setting in the west and it is impossible to see anything on the Main Lake!

A 'WILDLIFE' POND.

Photo: Reg Norman

Today we got it wrong. We had looked at the notice board on the way in and had decided to go to the Wildside area for the chance of seeing certain birds. We never saw them (in fact we saw very little) although we could hear a large Tit flock moving around in the undergrowth. Every now and then we would get the most fleeting of glimpses of a tiny bird, but it was usually gone before we could identify it! This is, of course, usual for this time of year; there is so much cover and the birds, more often than not, only make ‘contact’ calls as they move about. One of the benches provided an ideal spot to rest our work-weary bones whilst we scanned the bushes and shrubs; we were not to be entertained by our little friends though!As we moved around the Wildside area, the sheer number of flowers that were still providing a wonderful show quite surprised us both. Combined with the bunches of berries on the trees and shrubs, and, some of the first leaves already taking on their autumn hues, the site was really very colourful. Amongst these flowers there moved (although fairly blustery) a number of different butterflies adding their different brilliant shades to the picture. We supposed that they were still much in evidence as the weather, although a little windy, was quite warm.

ANOTHER 'WILDLIFE' POND!

Photo: Reg Norman

It became quite sunny as we reached the Wildside Hide; in fact it made the interior feel a little chilly by contrast. We took up our favourite seats at the western end of the upper floor; the view here being the best by far as it covers such a wide area. We noticed that a Little grebe had a very small chick, not the first that we had seen today. There seemed to be an abundance of small birds dotted on the water about the site. I suppose that the birds will keep trying to get off as many offspring as they can in any one year. The Moorhens can rely on the youngsters from previous broods to help out with the rearing of the later ones, which must be a real bonus.Leaving the Wildside Hide, we made our way back towards the Visitor Centre, stopping briefly at the Headley Hide. The vegetation adjacent to this hide is (quite rightly) very well grown and obscures large areas of the Main Lake so we were not too disappointed not to see very much. We did manage to get some very good views of the (ever growing) number of Cormorants; swimming underwater quite closely, we were able to observe them!

THE SHELTERD LAKE

Photo: Reg Norman

Seared chicken. As we passed through the Visitor Centre and out onto the bar-b-que area the air was filled with its’ aroma. There were other meats as well, all smelling as tempting as could be. Roasted vegetables were also in evidence; the whole providing the prospect of a lovely meal for the diners. I mentioned that I had not seen much salad in evidence but Leon assured me that the chef had piles!
The Dulverton and WWF hides were our next objectives. Hoping to see any waders that may have arrived, we were not disappointed as we saw, briefly, a Redshank; a little unusual for this time of year. Having visited these hides for a short while we moved on the Sheltered Lagoon walk, hoping to see more of the smaller birds that we knew favoured this area.As we moved around the walk we became surrounded by a huge flock of tits, finches and warblers. We just had to stop and watch their antics; rolling around through the trees, all the while filling the air with their contact calls. The Long Tailed Tits were the most confiding, they came right to the very edge of the vegetation where they practiced their acrobatics. This was not the first time we had been treated to such a wonderful show by these beautiful birds and it never ceases to thrill.

THE PENULTIMATE OXEYE DAISY?

Photo: Reg Norman

Very little was to be seen from the Wader Scrape hide; although the water level was not too bad their just seemed to be a shortage of birds, although there were good numbers of Gadwall and Teal with a few Wigeon thrown in for good measure.
Having moved to the Peacock Tower, the first thing that was pointed out to us by one of its’ occupants was a Little Egret; he was on the Wader Scrape and we had been unable to see him because of the vegetation! It was here too that we caught up with our friend, John Cass. He informed us that he had not seen much but that there had been a Wheatear about earlier in the day. This had been one of the birds that we had hoped to see from the Wildside hide when we first arrived.
Looking across the Main Lake we remembered why should have come here earlier; the sun had moved round to the west and now made any observing quite difficult. This did not stop a sharp-eyed chap from noticing a bird by one of the island shores, and, not being sure what it was he asked for a general opinion. Taking turns in looking through telescopes we al agreed: Ruff. We didn’t agree on its’ development at first but after some discussion we all agreed that it was an adult ‘winter’ bird.
The differences in bird plumage, amongst even a single species, at different times of the year can be quite astonishing. Leon thought that this might be the time to go to ‘the office’ to discuss the matter and so we made our farewells. Passing through the bar-b-que area we noticed that there seemed to be good trade taking place; the food smelled even more wonderful and everybody seemed to be having a great time.

FLOWERS AT THE OFFICE

Photo: Reg Norman

We did not stay at ‘the office’ for very long; being a Thursday we both had to go to work the following day. We did discuss many things though, including the fact that there was always a fabulous show of flowers on the bar where we usually sit of an evening.

BIRDS SEEN: Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Feral Pigeon, Ruddy Duck, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Shoveller, herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Heron, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Wood pigeon, Greenfinch, Dunnock, House Martin, Starling, Crow, Magpie, Lapwing, Kestrel, Ring Necked Parakeet, Jackdaw, redshank, Teal, Sand Martin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Swallow, Ruff, Green Woodpecker, Lesser Black Backed Gull.

GOOD TO BE BACK.

Well, it has been over a year since I last posted here. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances and work related problems, I have had neither the time or the opportunity to keep the blog up to date. This culminated in the death of my lovely little brother, Dave, so it has been a very hard and a very sad time for all of the family.

Leon and I have been going 'birding' again with some friends (thanks guys!) and i now feel that I can once again devote some time here.

Terry and Liz have moved back up to Yorkshire, in the middle of some lovely 'birding' country and we have been lucky enough to have visited them. we hope to go again (if they'll have us!) and should we do so we will post here with plenty of pictures.

All the very best,

Reg and Leon.

29th APRIL 2007.

A MOST UNEXPECTED VISITOR.

Arriving directly from the Lonsdale Road LNR, we were still chattering about the Tawny Owl that we had been lucky enough to have seen. We were, in fact, quite early even for us. Leon popped off to ‘make himself comfortable’ and I took up station at the Entrance Lake. This a much overlooked part of the site and we often sit here for a while before entering the main site. As I sat and watched, a Song Thrush appeared on the bank farthest away from me; I was able to watch it for some time, quartering the area in its’ search for food. It flew off suddenly when a large group of Starlings took fright and then flight!
Entering the site proper, we came upon our friend Terry who was working as a volunteer for the day. We told him all about the owl that we had seen and the progress that the Sparrowhawks had made He informed us that the Gargeney that we had hoped to see had not been spotted at all that day. We moved into the Observatory.

TERRY, IN FULL WORKING ORDER!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

The weather, as promised, was beautiful; the sky was now clear and blue, a soft breeze blew and refreshed us. The light was very good and so we made the most of it scanning the site. Neil, one of the chaps who has taken Leon and I on a walk before, came in and we told him about the owl and the Sparrowhawks. He said that he would try to get down to see them tomorrow. He also told us some stories of Herons and their nesting habits, as usual; it was good to hear one of the experts talking.
We followed our usual route around the site, visiting the Wildside area and hide first and seeing quite a few small birds. The Reed and Sedge Warblers are really starting to dominate the air with their rasping songs. We could often see them flitting from one reedbed to another.
Having started so early again, we were quite hungry and decided that we should not miss breakfast. On the way back to the restaurant we poked our heads into the Headley hide for a few moments. There were a few large gulls to be seen but no Black-Headed ones. I said that I would have a proper look a little later on; I needed to take my time as the birds are now changing so rapidly I get confused if I rush! The other area of interest, the island between the hide and the Observatory, could not be viewed properly because the sun was in the wrong position. On second thoughts, perhaps it was us that were in the wrong position.

THE GRAZING MARSH, NEARLY DRY!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Whilst we had our breakfast Terry joined us to snatch a quick cup of coffee; he needed this because he was about to take over at …… Explore! He only stayed a very short while and, after making us promise to ‘phone him with any news about anything ‘good’, moved off to meet his doom. The man deserves a medal!
Breakfast finished, we made our way into the Waterlife area. A Grey Wagtail had been seen here earlier but had now, obviously, moved on. As we walked along we wee still talking about the owl and the Sparrowhawks from earlier in the day. We thought that we couldn’t see anything to top those today, but, we were wrong!
Just before reaching the Dulverton hide, Leon asked what all the commotion was and why the crowd? We were soon to find out! We new it must be something out of the ordinary because two of the resident experts, Rupert and Dan, were laughing. “What is it?” inquired Leon. “A Pelican!” came the answer. I looked around for the cameras but saw none; I wasn’t going to appear on ‘Candid Camera’! We followed the direction that everybody was looking in and …. there it was! A Great White Pelican, no less! It was huge, it looked like a flying door! The bird, brilliant white with black edges to its’ wings, soared around the site. It really made flight look elegant and effortless. The chaps thought that it might be the bird that was resident at St James’ Park ding its’ spring fly about. Leon quickly ‘phoned Terry and told him to get over to the Dulverton hide to see a Pelican. I wonder if he looked about for cameras. Quite a good crowd gathered to see the bird, most of whom I would think were impressed.

THE SCRAPE: STILL DEEP ENOUGH FOR SWANS

Photo: Leon Rusk.

As the bird moved away, so did we; after saying thanks for the ‘heads-up’. We continued making our way around the site in our usual fashion; moving next to the feeder area, which was almost deserted apart from a rat, and then on to the Wader Scrape hide by way of the Sheltered Lagoon. It had gone fairly quiet as we moved around, although we had seen so much it hardly seemed to matter!
We met up with Philip in the Scrape hide; he hadn’t seen the Pelican and we decided to swap ‘phone numbers so that we might keep each other informed of anything interesting in the future.
Having moved on to the peacock Tower, the quiet seemed to have reached all parts of the site. We could see the Little Ringed Plover quite well and we had some cracking views of the Sedge Warbler that has taken up residence in the reeds just outside of the tower itself. Just like last Friday he was singing his little heart out.

MORE POTENTIAL HERON FOOD

Photo; Leon Rusk.

We visited the WWF hide and then made our way to say farewell to Terry. I told him that I would probably not stay at ‘the office’ very long and might even return to see if anything else turned up. In the end though, sue turned up and we stayed a little longer than planned!

BIRDS SEEN: Coot, Moorhen, Magpie, Canada Goose, Starling, Swift, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Feral Pigeon, Blue Tit, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Mallard, Common Sandpiper, Heron, Wood Pigeon, Tufted Duck, Common Tern, House Martin, Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Kestrel, Wren, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Little Grebe, Blackcap, Ring Necked Parakeet, Wren, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Herring Gull, Reed Warbler, Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Great White Pelican, Sedge Warbler, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Common Snipe, Green Woodpecker.

27th APRIL 2007.

RESCHEDULED REPTILE WALK. (100th Blog entry!!!!)

Tim was waiting for us when we reached WWT Barnes; a pleasant surprise as he was not supposed to be there until about ten o’clock! The other pleasant surprise was that the yellow Flag Iris were blooming on the Entrance Lake. Leon and I had been to the Leg O’Mutton LNR earlier to see the Sparrowhawks and had had quite a good morning. The weather was not as good as we had been told it would be; it was quite chilly and there was a bit of a breeze. I had, in fact, had to put my fleece on to keep out the chill!

A NICE SURPRISE, FIRST FLAGS 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

Making our way inside we went straight to the restaurant to get a hot drink and to talk about the possibility of the Reptile Walk being cancelled. We had been here a month ago and the weather was just like todays’ although it was not raining.
It was still chilly and a bit breezy when we left the restaurant although Tim and I thought that it seemed a little brighter. We popped into the Observatory for a quick ‘scan’ of the area; there were quite a few bids to be seen. We didn’t stay long as there was a school group present and we needed to ‘lose’ them!

'OLD CHARLIES' LEFTOVERS!

Photo; Reg Norman

Making our way to the Wildside area we were a little dismayed to find that there was very little birdsong and even fewer birds! This improved a little when we stared walking around the Summer Walk; there were certainly plenty of warblers around. They had arrived at last and jolly pleased we were to hear them! We had a go at teaching Tim the difference between Reed and Sedge warblers; I think that he got it!
From the Wildside hide I was pleased to see that the Cowslips on the Thames-side bank were still in flower; a sight that never disappoints me. We could see the warblers in the reedbeds flitting from place to place, their song increasing in volume all the time. Whilst we were at the hide the site office ‘phoned to say that the Reptile Walk had been cancelled due to the cold weather! Although a little disappointed again we could understand the reason for calling it off. Tim ventured that the weather would now improve dramatically.

A COOT FAMILY OUTING

Photo: Reg Norman

We moved on to the Waterlife area, stopping briefly at the Headley hide, to see if our luck would improve. On the way we were treated to some great views of a Kestrel hunting over the Main Lake boundary. In the short time that it took to reach the Waterlife area the weather had improved dramatically! The wind had dropped somewhat and the sky had lightened. The sun even managed to poke its’ face through the clouds every now and then!
Lots of spring flowers had started to flower; I pointed out Ragged Robin and Leon found Ox-eye Daisy for Tim. It will not be long before the daisies will blanket the Grazing Marsh borders.

FIRST OXEYE DAISIES 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

There were only a few birds at the feeder; we saw the Brown Rat (he seems to have an injured / deformed back leg) which made Tims’ blood run cold! He is not keen to say the least!
The Sheltered Lagoon walk was very quiet; you can usually guarantee some good sights along here, perhaps the weather was keeping the bids quiet. We walked along, slowly and quietly but saw very little. As we reached the Wader Scrape hide Tim and I saw a Blackcap; it was there one second, gone the next!
Inside the hide it was quite busy; people had obviously come specifically to see the Little Ringed Plovers. There was only one on show; sitting on a nest under a wire ‘crow-stopper’. One of the people kindly let me have a look through his ‘scope at the bird.
There was a nice group of people in the peacock Tower; I believe they may have been a visiting ‘birding’ group. They all seemed very knowledgeable and were keen to help everybody else to find different birds.
We had stunning views of a Sedge Warbler; he was sat on the edge of some reeds, singing his heart out. Everybody in the hide was entranced.

FIRST ARUM LILIES 2007

Photo: Reg Norman

We had had an interesting day and as it seemed that we were destined not to see too much more we made our way out of the centre and on to ‘the office’. It was now a glorious afternoon blue skies and the sun beating down!

BIRDS SEEN: Wren, Canada Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, House Martin, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Sand Martin, Wood Pigeon, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Robin, Pochard, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Starling, Mute Swan, Feral Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Ruddy Duck, Greylag Goose, Swift, Kestrel, Cormorant, Redshank, Stock Dove, Magpie, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Long Tailed Tit, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Green Woodpecker, Ring Necked Parakeet, Blue Tit, great Tit, Coal Tit.

22nd APRIL 2007.

OLD FRIENDS, A NEW FREIND, KITES AND TERNS.

Leon and I had spent the first part of the day at the Lonsdale Road LNR; a great way to start the day in anyones’ book! The weather continued to be as good as one could want this early in the year and I was glad that I had packed a cap ‘just in case’.
We popped into the Observatory to ‘kit-up’ and were immediately struck by the number of bids on view; this looked promising! In fact one of the first birds that we spotted was a Reed Warbler, a first for the year here. You could, in fact, hear them (along with Sedge Warblers) from different areas but it was to be the only sighting of the day.

SNEAKING UP ON DUCKLINGS!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

In the lower section of the Observatory we spotted our friends Terry and Liz so we went down to meet up with them. They gave us a few details of their birdwatching holiday to Slimbridge, the Forest of Dean and the surrounding area. We were to hear more during the day; I must say that I did feel a little envious! We were also joined here by Philip, one of our ‘regular’ friends. He had just poked his nose in for a quick look before moving off to the Peacock Tower.
All four of us went into the restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast although Liz did not eat anything, just a coffee. Whilst we ate we were serenaded by the Marsh Frogs in the pond just outside.
Having eaten we made our way to the Wildside, by way of the Log Cabin area, which would have been our normal start to the day. As we moved off somebody pointed out some soaring shapes in the sky. Red Kites! We watched these beautiful birds for some time; they just seemed to be ‘hanging’ in the air! There were, by all accounts, three birds but I could only see two! We saw many Finches and Tits as we moved along; many were starting to sing extremely well. Everywhere the spring flowers were starting to bloom and I was particularly pleased to see the Guelder Rose starting to show. The Marsh Frogs were kicking up quite a racket but fortunately there were enough ‘little darlings’ about to drown them out!

GUELDER ROSE, SURE SIGN OF SPRING

Photo: Reg Norman

Whilst walking around the Summer Walk, just before the Wildside hide, we were to get some fabulous views of a Blackcap. Then another, with beakfulls of nesting material. This second was particularly accommodating; it sat well for some time. To make sure it moved off, Terry took out his camera and as he was trying to set up for the shot, it moved off!
Into the Wildside hide we went and looked for the warblers that we could hear in the nearby reedbeds. You could occasionally make out their darting forms but could not make a positive id from where we were. Terry commented on the number of crows on the site, about sixty at that time. I told him that the week before I had counted upwards of one hundred and fifty, including those in the boundary trees! “Ought to shoot’em” said Terry. Now, why on earth would anyone want to shoot the boundary trees? Perhaps the noise frightens the crows off!
Time was getting on and so we moved back towards the Centre; stopping at the Headley hide briefly on the way. We also stopped, once more, at the restaurant as we all needed a drink. We sat outside in the sunshine and listened to the now cacophony of the Marsh Frogs. Terry quickly whipped out his camera and did some digiscoping of the frogs. The results were very pleasing; the practice whilst he was away obviously paying off!

CRACKING FIRST SHOT OF FROG

Photo: Terry Burton

The feeder station was our next port of call, stopping only very briefly at the Dulverton hide. There was not much to be seen; perhaps a mixture of being there late again and the heat. There were some pigeons that were joined by a rat that almost ran among us! Philip joined us once again on his way to the restaurant; he had news of the Little Ringed Plovers.
As Philip was about to move off, another young man approached and was promptly introduced to us by Terry and Liz. Mike Beard had met the two of them some time before and they had gotten onto the subject of this blog. Mike, it appears, is an avid reader of this diary (which in itself shows great taste!) and was immediately popular for his appreciation of the good things in life! Mike was to join us for the rest of the day and jolly nice it was too. I am sure that we shall meet up again soon; I certainly hope so.

ONE WAY OF KEEPING COOL!

Photo: Leon Rusk.

The heat, as we walked around the Sheltered Lagoon walk, rendered the use of ‘scope and binoculars almost useless due to the heat haze. There were, however, plenty of small birds moving about in the shade.
I, for one, was actually glad to get into the Wader Scrape hide as this gave us a chance to get out of the sun and to cool down a little. We could not see the Little Ringed Plovers but we had some fine views of Lapwing sat upon their nests. A Common Snipe also emerged and started to feed along one of the muddy banks. We were joined by a couple of ladies who were obviously just starting out ‘birding’ and so we got great pleasure in pointing things out for them; Terry and Mike both allowing them to have ‘peeks’ through their ‘scopes.
We moved on to the Peacock Tower, stopping on the way to look for warblers, where the LRP’s were pointed out to us. We could also get even better views of the Snipe as it continued to feed along the shoreline.
Earlier in the afternoon we had had some quick glimpses of a couple of Common Terns; now we could see them properly as they wheeled, spectacularly, around the Main Lake and beyond.
We stayed at he Tower for a good time before deciding to move back to the Centre and then on to ‘the office’. We said our goodbyes to Mike and made our way, via the WWF hide for a ‘quickie’, homewards.

WHO'S WATCHING WHO?

Photo; Terry Burton.

Before leaving we suggested to Terry that he might like to go to the Lonsdale Road LNR before starting his duties next weekend. He should be able to get some good shots of the Sparrowhawk nest and the Herons on their rafts! I will cal for confirmation during he week and will hopefully contact Mike on the ‘BirdForum’ site to see if he fancies an early start.

BIRDS SEEN: Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Wren, Moorhen, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Mallard, Lapwing, Green Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe, Starling, Redshank, Heron, Wood Pigeon, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Stock Dove, Dunnock, Common Tern, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Cormorant, Ring Necked Parakeet, Swift, Reed Bunting, Long Tailed tit, Blackcap, Robin, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Ruddy Duck, Pied Wagtail. Kestrel, feral Pigeon, Sparrowhawk, Common Snipe, Little Ringed Plover, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon, Egyptian Goose, great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Blackbird, Shoveller, House Martin, Sedge Warbler, Coal Tit, Coot, Pochard.

14th APRIL 2007.

ARRIVALS ARRIVING!

We arrived at the Centre today having already had a lovely early-morning walk in Richmond Park. We had met at about seven o’clock and walked the short journey to the park. The weather was beautiful and the park had been busy even at that early hour. We were beginning to feel the heat even as we arrived; the coffee at breakfast would be well appreciated!

NEW LIFE EVERYWHERE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Being here on a Saturday was strange, but Leon had to work on the following day so we made the best of both being off. The day may have changed but the plan for the walk about the site had not. We would start at the Observatory which would enable us to kit-up and scan the site in comfort. As we walked towards the Observatory we saw our first Swift of the year; I thought for a moment that it was going to join us in the building it came so low! Then it was gone. We would not see another today.
Having got ready in the Observatory and the time getting on, we decided to have breakfast before moving on anywhere. Just as we started on our meal, some of the ‘regulars’ who were sat outside in the sunshine, got up and started scanning the sky over the Visitor Centre. We, of course, moved out to join them to see what was of interest. Here was a raptor high in the sky; everybody was hoping that it was the Goshawk that had been reported in the area a couple of times recently. It was not to be; we were watching a female Sparrowhawk.
After finishing our meal we moved off toward the Wildside area all the while enjoying the lovely weather. We were also enjoying the relative quiet as there seemed to be very few ‘little darlings’ in attendance! The Marsh Frogs were trying to make up for them though! The newly-arrived Sand Martins were all over the site; their twittering filling the air. It was good to have them back but when scanning an area they can lead yours eyes away as they flash past!

THE MULTIPLYING CROWS

Photo; Leon Rusk.

We could hear a Blackcap singing in the bushes and shrubs along the Castlenau bank but were unable to see it until it broke cover, did a ‘victory roll’ and vanished over the boundary!
From the Wildside hide we had lots of ducks and waterfowl to watch but, there appeared to be no Teal or Wigeon around at all. There was one bird of interest; a hybrid of Ring Necked Duck x Tufted Duck. We had seen this bird on several occasions before, pointed out by an eminent ‘birder’ who takes some of the ‘event’ walks.
We missed out the Headley hide, only because of the time, and made our way to the Waterlife area. The feeders were not very busy; we decided that we were there too late and that the birds had all had their breakfast and were now resting. Perhaps they were saving themselves for the coming courtship and mating rituals.
The Sheltered Lagoon walk, too, was fairly quiet although we did see a Chiffchaff and heard more of the same. We also had three House Martins above us for the briefest of time; I believe they went off to play with the Sand Martins!
The Wader Scrape hide was very quiet too; the Snipe must have been sheltering from the sun rather than the wind this week!

FRITTILARY MEADOW STILL BEAUTIFUL

Photo: Leon Rusk.


It was good to see the ‘regulars’ in the Peacock Tower; no sooner had we arrived than we were shown some Little Ringed Plovers (not visible from the WS hide) and a Wheatear out on the Grazing Marsh. The Wheatear was particularly amenable and stayed out in clear view for quite some time.
There were no Black Headed Gulls on view; this surprised me as there were a few other species in small numbers. We stayed for a while, watching the birds and chatting amongst our friends, and just as we left for ‘the office’ a couple of Black Heads came down by the Headley hide. It had gone quiet and so we moved off.

BIRDS SEEN: Blackbird, Starling, Blue Tit, Heron, Mallard, Coot, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Swift, Egyptian Goose, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Redshank, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Pochard, Feral Pigeon, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Magpie, Greylag Goose, Sand Martin, Ruddy Duck, Blackcap, Gadwall, Little Ringed Plover, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Wheatear, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Black Headed Gull, Shoveller, House Martin, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Chiffchaff.

6th APRIL 2007.

THE LONE GOOD FRIDAY. (By Leon Rusk)

Good Friday, a day off, Reg works Bank Holidays so I go on my own to the Wetland Centre.
I popped up the road to the hospital to meet Reg and see the gutted look on his face as I was and he wasn’t, if you get me! Queen Marys’, Roehampton, is where we ply our trade Monday to Friday. I am a brain surgeon and Reg, well, looking for a donor! I am on call 24/7 so if there is anyone out there!
Anyway, back on planet Earth, I just went to say ’hello’ and pick up my camera. I arrived a bit late at the WWT; Reg locked me in a storeroom because of the smug look on my face!
Phew! Out! Got there at 10:15, that’ll teach me! As is our way, I checked the birds upon entering the site, always nice; there was a Heron on the Entrance Pond and, nearby, some Mallard ducklings. Victims to be I am afraid!

MALLARD DUCKLINGS

Photo: Leon Rusk.

In and off to the Observatory. Again the usual but nothing that I was hoping to see. From there I went on our tried and trusted route.
The day was mild and sunny so I was hoping to see a few new arrivals. Boy, was that hope shot to pieces!

THE LOG CABIN AREA

Photo; Sue Blair.

Off to the conifers by the log cabin to maybe see the Goldcrest and more lbj’s, but, again, not much was showing. From there I headed to the Wildside and moved around the banking where I was rewarded with a lovely view of a Chiffchaff at the top of a tree. As Reg would have told you, once you get familiar with the call, it does help with spotting the bird. On to the Summer Walk, not much happening, at least not while I was passing through. A few butterflies, but then again, too few to mention, I went on my way (sorry!) getting nearer to the Wildside hide I was to find a dead rat, just off the path, not welcome! Our mate Tim would be pleased, he hates rats!

FIRST IN A COLLECTION OF DEAD RAT PHOTOS!

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Reached the hide and, again, quiet; maybe it was me and my crap timing! I then decided to go to the other side of the centre, on my way passing quite a few of Regs’ favourite small people.
Once again, apart from seeing the few remaining Teal and Wigeon which was nice, nothing to get me, apart from the fact of being at the wetlands. The birdfeeder was exceptionally quiet and so I went on around the Lagoon, stopping at a bench to listen to the song.

THR FRITTILARY MEADOW

Photo; Sue Blair.

From there, on to the Wader Scrape hide. Zilch! Near enough by then, sun over the yardarm sort of thing, I ‘phoned our mate, Tim, to see what he was doing. Tim tells me that he is on Wimbledon Common with his granddaughter, Sadie, walking the dog. So, I arranged to meet him in ‘the office’, 12:30ish.
I quickly check the Peacock Tower but whatever as happened I’ve seemed to miss it. Wrong place, wrong time I guess. I leave the wetlands, a bit disappointed, but it’s always a special place.
I reach ‘the office’ at 12:40 to find Tim and Sadie already there, Lush!
Mmmm… chi Doh! Mmmmmmmm…… beer!

SPRING BLOSSOM

Photo: Sue Blair.

BIRDS SEEN: Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Coot, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Teal, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Feral Pigeon, Heron, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Gadwall, Starling, Sand Martin, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Magpie, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Ring Necked Parakeet, Goldfinch, Shoveller, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Pochard, Redshank, Stock Dove.

1st APRIL 2007.

SHORT REPORT DUE TO LOST NOTES!

I am not quite sure how I did it but I seem to have lost my short notes for todays’ report. Some unkind people might say that it had something to do with my going to the Half Moon in Putney to celebrate Fulhams’ draw with Pompey with some chaps from work. Some put it down to the fact that I went back to said pub to watch the Hamsters at said pub later in the evening. I just put it down to plain old bad luck! It must follow, then, that this will be a very short report.

CANADA GEESE OUTSIDE THE WILDSIDE HIDE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

Arriving at the Centre we first made our way to the Observatory. Within seconds I had incorrectly identified two Egyptian Geese as Canadians. I remember that Leon did a lot of giggling during the whole morning. I remember little else although I did feel much better after visiting ‘the office’!

COOT CHICKS, WATERLIFE

Photo; Leon Rusk.

BIRDS SEEN: Egyptian Goose, Starling, Wren, Blackbird, Coot, Moorhen, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Lapwing, Teal, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Heron, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Magpie, Chiffchaff, Redshank, Jack Snipe, Greylag Goose, Carrion Crow, Wigeon, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Coal Tit Ring Necked Parakeet, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Sand Martin, Great Black Backed Gull, , Lesser Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Jackdaw, Herring Gull, Common Snipe, Black Headed Gull.