This is a bird’s eye view of the London Wetland Centre. Earlier this year the Lesser Spotted Prime Minister was seen here. She flew back to central London; ornithologists believe that she prefers a dry habitat. You will recall that she was seen in Burberry gathering nesting material as the breeding season commences.
The staff are still talking about sighting her and the number of twitchers who came. I went on reconnaissance on a chilly Tuesday morning and am mightily impressed. Although I didn’t go inside, I saw sheep and cattle employed to stop the land getting overgrown and an awesome shop. I’m planning a return trip with a twitcher when I may see some birds.
Yesterday I tempted you with 18th century china rabbits and hoopoes from the Rockefeller Collection. An alternative is to visit the Wetland shop where these items are all under £30 each. I think the hare is quite cute.
I bought a new bird feeder filled with niger seed – supposed to be catnip to goldfinches – and some suet balls. Here is what was spotted the day of my visit.
1 Bittern – reedbed (channel closest to wildside hide)
1 Goldeneye – main lake
2 Shelduck – main lake
15 Redwing – sheltered lagoon
161 Cormorant – main lake
2 Stonechat – N bund of the marsh
1 Peregrine – perched Charing Cross Hospital
However, walking along the river I saw this – a red-crested pochard duck perhaps?
