24th DECEMBER 2006.

CHRISTMAS CURLEW CALLS.

Our visit to the Centre today was to be quite short. As usual Leon and I still had some Christmas shopping to do on Christmas Eve! It was dry, somewhat overcast, day that had a bit of a nip in the air due toa North easterly wind. This wind would prove to be more noticeable when funnelled into the hides through open windows!

Stopping t the Observatory, we noticed that most birds were either out of sight or taking shelter on the leeward side of islands, trees and shrubs etc. We spent quite some time near 'The Lodge' again in the hope of seeing the Goldcrest. Although we could hear it among the small flock of Tits and Finches, we were to be disappointed once again.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS!

Photo: Sue Blair

Walking to the 'Wildside' hide we were amazed to notice that there were hardly any other people around. There was an unnatural quiet pervading the whole area with hardly any bird sounds apart from the occasional 'peeps' from the Coots. At the hide, we could not see much as most birds, once again, seemed to be sheltering from the wind. We could see no Stonechats and most strangely, no Mute Swans. I think that I am right in saying that this was the first time that we had not seen the Swans in all our visits here. There was a Common Snipe in the cover at the end of the small headland just ouside the hide.

CONTRASTING BARK

Photo: Sue Blair

Walking back to the Centre we were pleased to bump into Rupert who, most kindly, pointed out a Chiffchaff being given a hard time by a Robin. Leon and I both know what a Chiffchaff sounds like now!

The Bittern was not available for viewing when we popped into the 'Headley' hide. Neither of us was very much suprised, the bird probably had more sense than the pair of us and was keeping in the shelter of the reeds!

At the 'Waterlife' area we were able to see (and hear) more birds, we supposed that this was due tothe area being more sheltered. Looking from the hides in this area, out onto the main Lake, was also a little disappointing as the birds were on the far side of the islands! There were only a few gulls to be seen, they were probably feeding on the banks of the river, it being low-tide. There was, however, a large flock of Lapwing and they kept taking off at short intervals which made us scan the skies for raptors. We soon noted a Kestrel and were to see it several times during our visit.

The feeding area was alive with small birds, Tits and Finches of all varieties. The poor Chaffinches that were trying to eat below the feeders were constantly being chased by a Wood Pigeon of all things! Every time that one of the small birds landed the pigeon would charge in its' direction to chase it away! It must have been worn out by the end of the morning!

A walk around the 'Sheltered Lagoon' was quite unproductive apart from a small group of Long Tailed tits who, as usual, seemed to be having a great time carousing in the path-side shrubs and bushes!

The 'Wader Scrape' was still very full and there was not much to see on the water itself. There was avery large flock of Wigeon on the Thames-side bank though, eagerly cropping the grass.

We moved on to the 'Peacock Tower' where we were pleased to meet up with our freinds Terry and Liz. As we were swapping stories of what we had, and hadn't, seen that morning, Terry suddenly pointed to where the gulls usually 'loaf' on the Main Lake. A Curlew had just landed! It moved about for a few moments, every now and then sending out its' cry which is so evocative of wetlands. Then, it was gone! Ithad only stayed a few moments and if Terry had not pointed it out we would all have missed it!

We stayed for some time, scanning the reedbeds for signs of Snipe but were to be unlucky. Nobody had seen the Stonechats and there was still no evidence of Swans having been seen. Rupert turned up to ask if we had all seen the Curlew, he had seen it from the 'WWF' hide. Terry and Liz left for coffee and cakes after we had exchanged the best of Seasons Greetings.

REMINDER OF WARMER DAYS

Photo: Sue Blair

It was still strangely quiet when Leon and I made our way back to the Centre some ten minutes later. On the way back we were treated to some great displays of flying and hovering by the Kestrel that had been in evidence for most of the morning.
Anther bird that had been in evidence for most of the morning was a Green Woodpecker. Poor Terry, when he had seen it earlier, accidentally said “Cuckoo!” and, of course, he was ribbed about it whenever the opportunity arose! Mercilessly!
The ‘office’ was our next stop, only to fortify ourselves for the coming ordeal of late Christmas shopping, of course!

BIRDS SEEN: Coot, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lapwing, Shoveller, Wigeon, Ruddy Duck, Little Grebe, Magpie, Jay, Blackbird, Long Tailed Tit, Common Snipe, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Teal, Heron, Canada Goose, Ring Necked Parakeet, Green Woodpecker, Gadwall, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Robin, Great Crested Grebe, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Wren, Kestrel, Curlew, Starling, Pochard, Herring Gull, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Blue Tit.

17th DECEMBER 2006.

A WIND IN THE RUSHES.

No early start or visit to another site this week, we were off to the pantomime! We had bought the tickets several weeks ago as some of the young ladies we work with were appearing and we thought to support them in their efforts. Sue was still unwell and so would not be joining us, so Tim, our friend from work, and his granddaughter Sadie would be coming in her stead.
We were determined to get about the site for a bit before the show began, although we would not have much time! The Observatory was our first stop, to kit up and have a quick look to see what was about. Although very cold and a little breezy, the sun was out and so were many birds. We had decided to spend a little time looking for a Goldcrest as Leon has still not seen one but, although we allowed a good while we were to be unlucky.
The ‘Wildside’ hide was very quiet, indeed, the whole site seemed to be so. We could not see much as the sun was reflecting off the water for most of the viewable area. Leon spotted a Kestrel being mobbed quite high up; if it had been any lower we would not have seen it! We headed back towards the ‘Waterlife’ area, not stopping at the ‘Headley’ hide to save time, although we did stop for Leon to have some ‘nosebag’ at the restaurant.
Moving to the ‘Dulverton’ hide we came across some of the more ‘serious’ birdwatchers and thought that we might be in for a treat. Whether they were looking for something specific, or not, we would not find out. We saw the ‘usual’ Common Snipe on his island but there was no sign of ‘Jack’.
Time was running short so we only went as far as the feeder station, missing out the ‘Lagoon’ walk and a trip to the ‘Peacock’ tower. We saw many small birds and there were many singing in the shrubs and bushes around us.

WHO LOOKS MOST EXCITED ?

Photo: Reg Norman

We dashed back to the Centre in time to meet Tim and Sadie. On the way back we met up with one of the ‘regulars’ who informed us that the Bittern was showing well and so we decided that, at some point during the day, we would try to have a look for it.
Having met our guests we made our way into the Theatre, there was already a nice little crowd gathering. At this point Leon was going to great pains to say how much he didn’t want me to join in with the general banter of the pantomime and, as we took our seats, he slunk down into his seat.

COLD CAST

Photo: Reg Norman

The show got started and very good it was too! All around us the kids (of all ages!) were getting well behind the performers with all of the usual boos, hisses and shouts of “He’s behind you!” you know the sort of thing! I managed to get the others some placards to wave about for the ‘demonstration’ scene, sadly having to forgo the pleasure myself. As the story unfolded, ‘Mr Grouchy’ was now waving his placard for all he was worth! Tim, too, as getting into it and I had to restrain him from joining the kids on the stage when they were called up! I should have let him go! Both of ‘the boys’ were having a whale of a time, and, people were noticing! Sadie and I, of course, were the models of decorum, at least we cheered in the right places!
All too soon the show was over, we congratulated the cast members with whom we were acquainted and headed to ‘the office’ to calm down.
At the ‘office’ I mentioned to Leon that it was his round, “Oh no it isn’t!” he replied in best panto fashion! He meant it as well!

NEW GIRL AT THE OFFICE

Photo: Reg Norman

After mooching about for a bit we made our way back to the centre so that Leon could buy some seed and things for his ‘pigs’. Finally, we made our way to the ‘office, to talk about the events of the day.
We only stayed for a couple of beers and then headed back to the Centre to look for the Bittern. It was indeed showing well, some of the chaps in the hide only too pleased to let us have a look through their ‘scopes although we could see it through our ‘bins.

BIRDS SEEN: Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Magpie, Blackbird, Pochard, Ruddy Duck, Great Black Backed Gull, Heron, Feral Pigeon, Teal, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit, Robin, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Starling, Carrion Crow, Common Snipe, Shoveller, Gadwall, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Stonechat, Ring Necked Parakeet, Wigeon, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Kestrel, Wren, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, grey Wagtail, Bittern, Barnacle Goose.

10th DECEMBER 2006.

UNEXPECTED SIGHTINGS.

I hadn’t intended visiting the Centre today as I had been off work with a very nasty ‘flu-like cold. I decided to go as I had been cloistered in the flat for a few days and thought that I might benefit from a few hours (well wrapped up) in the fresh air. The forecast had been for wet weather but when I woke it was a beautiful, sunny day. I am glad that I was well wrapped as it was quite cold out. I did feel much better the minute that I walked out into the fresh air. I would be alone today as Leon was doing his George Formby impression somewhere!
I arrived at the centre at about 10:30, just as visitors were being disgorged from several coaches. I believed that they were from ‘birding’ clubs as most were carrying good binoculars, ‘scopes or both. I was to meet several of these people later and was incredibly pleased to be able to offer some advice and snippets of information that might be useful whilst visiting the site.
I made my way, as is usual, to the Observatory. There was very little to see, just a few Mallard and Coots. I put this down to wind direction and moved quickly on.
My first stop was the log cabin area where I looked for the Goldcrest. There was nothing doing at all, not even the small flocks of Tits that usually dominate this area. It appeared to be strangely quiet all around so I made my way directly to the ‘Wildside’ hide.
There was a good selection of waterfowl although not in any great number. Looking across the Grazing Marsh, I realised just how cold it must have been during the night. The whole of the area closest to the hide was frozen over. Several Wigeon had walked out on to the ice and it was this that drew my attention to it. It could not have been very thick as they broke through the ice on several occasions!
At the ‘Headley’ hide I met the first group of visitors that I was to encounter during the time of my visit. There was a large crowd, all very excited. I thought that maybe the Bittern was showing as they crowded towards the end where I last saw it. Imagine my shock when I realised that they were all enraptured by the sight of that latest of pests, the Ring Necked Parakeet! I related to them about the things waking me up at about half past three in the morning in the summer. About how they are killing hole- nesting birds and hogging the feeders which denies the smaller birds sustenance in the winter. “But they are lovely!” was the reply. I do not dispute that they are beautiful birds but they should be beautiful in their natural habitat.

THE LOG CABIN, GOLDCREST COUNTRY!

Photo: Reg Norman

I did not stop at the restaurant but moved straight through to the ‘Dulverton’ hide. I noticed flocks of small birds in the distance and looked forward to making their acquaintance later in the day. Inside the hide there was another large crowd of visitors, all of whom seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves in this new environment. I had popped in to see if the Snipe were still about. Having located the Common, I pointed it out to one of the ladies on my left. I nearly got killed in the rush! I still do not know much about ‘birding’ but being able to point things out for other people certainly gives me a ‘buzz’. I told some of the people about the feeding area and where they might get some good views of the young Kestrel. I told them about the Jack Snipe too and where they might best view it. Quite a few of them left at the same time as me and were soon well ahead and on the way, I suspect, to the Peacock Tower!
As I walked towards the ‘WWF’ hide I had a great surprise. Our friends, Terry and Liz, were coming towards me. I was not expecting to see them as I had an email from Terry to say that they would not be around this weekend. It was good to see them and gave Terry a chance to show me his new ‘bins. I had a look through them and can only say that they are STUNNING. The difference between his and mine is phenomenal, I have never seen such clear views through a pair of glasses like it! I told Terry about the Snipe and he said that he would drop into the hide on the way back for coffee and cake!
Parting, I moved into the area by the Eastern boundary fence to look for the flocks of small birds that I had seen earlier. I soon found them, what appeared to be several large mixed flocks of Tits and Finches moving backwards and forwards along the fence. I noticed that a couple of Great Tits were investigating the holes where the arris rails entered the fence posts with much interest. Then I saw what I took to be a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, one quite close the other a little further away. Hold on though … the other one couldn’t be further away because of the fence! I was looking at two different birds! Although only a few feet from each other I was looking at a Great Spotted and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the same time! Just like the two different Snipe last week where the differences between the species was obvious, the same thing applied here. The size difference was the most striking (hence my thinking it was further back from me) and the colouring differences jumped out at me!
I stood, rooted to the spot, trying to take as much detail in as I could as this was one of the birds that Leon and I were looking forward to seeing. We knew that they were in the area, i.e.; Beverley Brook and surrounds, but had never seen one before.
Then I thought: “Terry! he will want to see this!” So I ran (or tried to run, wheezy as I was with the cold thingy) back to the ‘Dulverton’ hide in the hope that he would still be there. He was and hurried him back to where I had seen the birds, just in time to see the smaller fly over our heads and away! Arriving back to the viewing place the Great Spotted had moved along as well! I should have taken a picture. How many times have I said that? The camera, Sues’ digital, was set up and ready for use but I was so busy ‘looking’ that I forgot all about it again!
Terry and I parted once again and I moved on to the feeder area which was once again very busy. The Chaffinches that were feeding on the ground were being harried by a Moorhen for some reason. The ‘hen chased one or two birds away whilst others kept landing behind it! It was still doing this when I walked away!
The walk around the ‘Lagoon’ was quiet, I could hear some small birds’ contact ‘peeps’ in the undergrowth but could see none. By the seating area overlooking the ‘Lagoon’ I was looking deeply into the undergrowth and, seeing nothing, turned around to continue my walk to come almost face to face with a Kestrel! The bird was only about twelve feet off the ground and flying along the path. I had the idea that this was the ‘regular’ youngster that we often see in this area. A couple, who I took to be from one of the ‘birding’ clubs, approached me and asked if I had seen what had just flown above me. It had landed above them in a tree about fifteen feet above them and had afforded them close up views that they had never experienced before “… in all our years of watching!” Once again I was pleased to be able to offer someone some advice. I suggested that they carry on along the path until thy came upon the wooded seat and then to look about in the old trees where the bird is known to frequent. I do hope that they saw it as they were so keen to see it again. Leon and I have had some wonderful views of the bird from that bench.

THE PINE CLEARING FROM THE LOG CABIN

Photo; Reg Norman

The ‘Wader Scrape’ was pretty unproductive, just a couple of Mute Swans, a Wigeon and a couple of Gadwall. I did notice, however hat a brace of Magpies were pulling something to pieces in the long grass of the Thames-side bank.
I was expecting to see crowds of people in the Peacock Tower but the place was virtually empty! There was a couple who were showing somebody whose visit was obviously their first go at birdwatching. He was thoroughly enjoying himself and wished that he’d done it “years ago!”
The cold was beginning to get to me as the sun had gone in and the wind was getting up somewhat. I decided to go straight home, stopping briefly at the hides ‘just in case’. I also went back to where I saw the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, ‘just in case’! He wasn’t there, of course, but I did see my first Lesser Redpoll of the year!
The temperature was dropping fast, and I knew that I would soon get cold so I was glad when the ‘bus turned up almost straight away.
I didn’t go to ‘the office’ but felt much better for the fresh air, meeting friends and seeing the birds!

BIRDS SEEN: Mallard, Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Shoveller, Ruddy Duck, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Blackbird, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Teal, Stonechat, Ring Necked Parakeet, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Common Snipe, Gadwall, Starling, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Kestrel, Magpie, Herring Gull, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting.
HYBRID: Ring Necked Duck x Tufted Duck.

3rd DECEMBER 2006.

GOLDCREST AND JACK SNIPE.

REAL DECEMBER WEATHER!

Photo: Reg Norman

I arrived at the Centre at about half past one having been to Hyde Park for the first part of the day, if you can call 11 o’clock the ‘first part’ of the day! I had been to the park to see the Yellow Legged Gull that the London ’birding’ fraternity were all talking about. Leon was not with me today as he was busy helping Tim with some decorating.
The weather, as it had been since this morning following a terrible storm cum gale overnight, was very sunny although the wind was beginning to pick up quite rapidly. If it got much stronger I despaired that I might not see too many small birds.
From the Observatory I could see relatively few waterfowl and I suspected that most of them would be taking cover from the wind. This was to prove to be true as there were a good number of birds in the more sheltered areas of the site.
Our new friend, Terry, had told us last week that he had seen a Goldcrest or two in the ‘captive’ area. Never having seen one myself I was determined to spend some time looking for one this afternoon! I made my way to the area and stopped by the log cabin. I stopped to work out which route around the area I would take when I heard a strange (to me) birdsong. In the ‘Christmas’ trees, by the log cabin, there were several small birds moving about. They were very difficult to see but eventually I could make out some Tits in the deeper part of the cover. I had been told by somebody that Goldcrests often associate with Tits and, coupled with the strange birdsong, my hopes rose. The next moment the bird was there, easy as you like, just going about its’ business. I was entranced, the little bird was beautiful! It seemed to ignore my presence and hopped about quite happily, I will not forget that song and ‘contact’ call! It was a magic moment, I could probably have taken a photo it was so close but, as has happened so many times at this wonderful place, I completely forgot! I even had the camera ready, just in case! Never mind, I will make sue that there are other opportunities to see this bird. I know someone who will be itching to see one now!
I moved on to the ‘Wildside’ hide from where I got to see a lot more waterfowl and was able to point out some Snipe for a couple of ladies. I still cannot get used to the water level around the site but realise it is for the best.
I popped into the ‘Headley’ hide to see if our friend the Bittern was still obliging us with some good views. There were a few ‘regulars’ in the hide and they reported that although the bird had shown for about half an hour earlier, he was now nowhere to be seen. I am not too surprised by this, I expect that the bird is still getting used to his surroundings. Like last year, I am sure that as it settles the number of good sightings will increase, so I am in no great hurry to see him again.

The ‘Dulverton’ hide proved to be interesting. I had gone in to see if the Common Snipe that was in attendance yesterday, was still there. He was, and nobody had spotted him, but he was accompanied this time by a Jack Snipe! The ‘Jack’ was right next to him, they could have rested their bills on each others backs, although much harder to see as he was ‘just’ inside some cover. There were two ladies in the hide who thought that “… there is nothing to see!” and so I pointed out the Snipe. I was explaining the differences to them when the ‘Jack’ moved even closer to the other! They both tuned their heads perfectly as I explained about their respective bill length and then turned head-on for the medial head stripe bit! Size was easily discernable but the great thing was that when I tried to explain the ‘bobbing’ motion of the ‘Jack’, it got up and walked about a bit clearly demonstrating the motion! You could not plan it! I thought about the people who do the ‘walks’ here, if only they could get the birds to play their parts on a regular basis!

15:30 AND LIGHT ABOUT TO FADE

Photo: Reg Norman

Although the wind had increased since I first arrived at the site, there were still lots of small birds showing. I followed a small flock of Long Tailed Tits towards the ‘feeder’ area. As I walked along I could hear a Water Rail calling and thought that it would be nice to see one close up again. A Reed Bunting (there seem to be quite a lot about at the moment) flew into some reeds to the right of the path. I watched him for a few moments and caught sight of something from the corner of my eye. A Water Rail. The bird was in the same place that we had heard it calling from on the day of the ‘Gull I.D.’ walk and talk. I watched for just a few minutes and then it was gone, frightened into cover by a screeching ‘little darling’.
The feeder area was a hive of industry, there were small birds everywhere! Again there was a very large flock of Chaffinches all around the area, on the ground.
I didn’t stay in the ‘Peacock Tower’ for very long; there were crowds of people, some on guided tours and others just out enjoying the day.
I made my way out of the site, stopping at the ‘WWF’ hide (only a few gulls) and the ‘Dulverton’ hide to check on the Snipe. They were doing ‘synchronised sleeping’.
I would not normally have gone to the ‘office’ on my own but felt that I needed to sit down and take in all that I had seen during the day. I wanted to read up on the Goldcrest especially. I forced myself to have a couple of pints to aid concentration.

BRILLIANT DECEMBER SUNSHINE

Photo: Reg Norman

BIRDS SEEN: Mallard, Shoveller, Cormorant, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Feral pigeon, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Starling, Ruddy Duck, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Goldcrest, Gadwall, Ring necked parakeet, Common Snipe, Heron, Jack Snipe, Reed Bunting, Water Rail, Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Robin, Common Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Greylag Goose, Wren.
HYBRID: Greylag Goose / Canada Goose.

2nd DECEMBER 2006.

GULL I.D. WALK.

Another relatively late start for the two of us, we arrived at the Centre at 09:30. It was much brighter today although still somewhat overcast. Nothing could have beaten the greyness of yesterdays’ early morning! It was not too cold at all and, although there was the threat of rain in the air, it did not do so until the late afternoon and then only very lightly.
We had time to pop into the Observatory for a quick look around and also to have a quick ‘cuppa’ in the restaurant. The day was brightening and all looked well for the walk and talk. We could certainly see many gulls in the vicinity of the ‘WWF’ hide where we were to receiving our instruction a little later on.

VIEW FROM 'WWF', SITE OF GULL I.D. TALK

Photo; Reg Norman

We gathered to meet our instructor in the main courtyard and we were both very pleased to see that today it would be Mr Rupert Kaye. We have been on several talks with him before and have always been impressed with both his knowledge and the ease with which he seems to impart the same to his ‘students’.
Last weekend Leon and I had set aside the part of the day to try to make some sense of the gulls ‘I.D.’ markings. We failed miserably due in part to the extremely bad light and the complexity of the task. We were both surprised that, once the unnecessary details had been removed, we could soon grasp the basics of gull identification! It all seemed so simple really! Of course, it is a very complex area of study and only much practice will enable the novice to gain real expertise in the identification of gulls. We had learned the basics today, quite thoroughly, and have a good base to build on. I would recommend any novice, like Leon and myself, to sign up for one of these courses.

BITTERN WATCHING, THE HEADLEY HIDE

Photo: Reg Norman

The course over, we moved about the site in much the same way as we would have done on a normal visit. The ‘Wildside’ hide was our first port of call. We were lucky enough to be able to help somebody out with seeing some birds, to their obvious delight. Whilst there we received the information that there was a Bittern to be seen from the ‘Headley’ hide.
At the ‘Headley’ we were greeted with a large crowd of people all intent on seeing the Bittern. There was a large group of ‘regulars’ who kindly let us view the bird through their ‘scopes. It still amazes me how fantastic the camouflage of some birds is, to render them almost invisible.
After watching the Bittern for a short while we moved on to cover the rest of the site. Although it was the weekend, we didn’t seem to have very many of the ‘little darlings’ around. In fact it was very quiet, much as I had been yesterday for the ‘Duck Walk’, for which we were very grateful.
We retired to ‘the office’ to talk things over. We had certainly gained an awful lot of information over the last two days. Let’s hope that some of it ‘sticks’.

FAVOURITE CHAIRS AT 'THE OFFICE'

Photo: Reg Norman

BIRDS SEEN: Pied Wagtail, Robin, Magpie, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Blue Tit, Ring Necked Parakeet, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Teal, Ruddy Duck, Carrion Crow, Great Black Backed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull (greaslii, intermedius) , Black Headed Gull, Shoveller, Common Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Common Snipe, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Stonechat, Wigeon, Green Woodpecker, Bittern, Pochard, Water Rail, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Heron, Coal Tit, Greylag Goose, Chaffinch, Wren, Gadwall, Pintail Long Tailed Tit, Grey Wagtail, Starling, Herring Gull.
Hybrids: Ring Necked Duck / Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose / Canada goose.

1st DECEMBER 2006.

WINTER DUCK WALK.

Not too early a start for once, we arrived at the Centre for opening time (09:30) and were greeted with a ‘battle royal’ at the main gates. A Carrion Crow and a Magpie were having a right old scrap just inside the sports ground. The Maggie was giving as good as he got but looked on very shaky ground as the other black shapes started to wheel in around the combatants. Fortunately he was able to get away and hide in a relatively thickly covered Holly tree. It was interesting to see the Crows take up positions around the Holly, thus denying the Magpie any escape route. There appeared to be lots going on elsewhere and so the Crows soon lost interest in what could be a long, drawn out siege. They moved away and the Magpie slid off keeping a low profile!

THE ENTRANCE LAKE

Photo; Reg Norman

Having entered the site we, of course, made our way to the Observatory. We had a quick check around and got ourselves ready for our visit. We were having trouble seeing anything as the light was appalling and we were already feeling apprehensive about the viewing conditions for later on. Leon noted that there were lots of gulls so we would not be short of subjects for discussion.

VISITING BIRD CLUBBERS, HEADLEY HIDE

Photo: Reg Norman

We met up with the other members of the ‘Winter Duck Walk’ after having a look at all the usual places. The light was still moving between very bad and atrocious!
Our mentor for the event was Mr Neil Anderson and he was soon to prove a most remarkable fount of knowledge. It is, of course, one thing to be in possession of the amount of information that these chaps carry but to be able to impart that knowledge to others is surely a gift. Once again we were to be entertained as well as being instructed about our wildfowl and other natural heritage. Both Leon and I (and the others in our small group) were spellbound by the non-stop flow of information from somebody who obviously loves his subject!
Our meagre knowledge of waterfowl was soon being boosted by our host, indeed it had started before the ‘walk’ had commenced! Whilst waiting for the ‘off’, we were whisked inside the Observatory by one of the site stewards ‘to see something unusual’. We were shown a hybrid duck (Ring Necked Duck / Tufted Duck) for which I personally could see nothing special about. Mr Anderson, however, was soon pointing out all of he differences that made this duck ‘special’. (I must admit to feeling a little smart about being able to pick out the bird on the following day!)
After the walk had finished we spoke to Mr Anderson about ‘birding’ in general and said that we would keep in touch via the London Natural History Society website. We will certainly try to make some of their day trips to different sites and hopefully enrol as members in the New Year.
We mooched about for the remainder of the day having quite a few good sightings in different areas of the site.

'MAGIC' MUSHROOMS

Photo; Reg Norman

We would both heartily recommend anybody to go on one of these walks at any time. To be in the company of people such as Mr Anderson and to be taught by people with such passion for their chosen subject is a wonderful experience!
We had picked up so much information that we thought that we would adjourn to ‘the office’ to talk it all over. It was quiet here and we were most appreciative of it!
BIRDS SEEN: Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Greenfinch, Feral Pigeon, heron, Cormorant, Lapwing, Shoveller, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Starling, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull (greaslii, intermedius), Herring Gull, Teal, Pochard, Canada Goose, Robin, Blackbird, Wren, Blue Tit, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Common Snipe, Wigeon, Stonechat, Gadwall, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Long Tailed Tit, Ring Necked Parakeet, Mistle Thrush, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Gull, Greylag Goose, Pintail, Reed Bunting, Grey Wagtail.
Hybrids: Ring Necked Duck / Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose / Canada Goose.