Today I got the opportunity to lead one of our regular guided walks - this is a treat for us staff members! The usual leaders, John and Sue were indisposed today so I stepped in to very big shoes.
Now I don't profess to being an expert birdwatcher by any stretch of the imagination but I have been working at wetlands reserves for nearly 3 years so I think I've picked up a thing or two. My boss Nick doubted my ability at wader watching but I was determined to prove him wrong.
On the stroke of 10am we set off on our odyssey around the Wetlands Trail in search of ducks, geese, waders and anything else with wings. A word of warning if you intend to visit in the near future - the term 'Wetlands' now refers to the bridleway, the woodland trail and virtually all the trodden paths around the reserve! This last summer we were hoping for more rain now we've got too much!
WEAR YOUR WELLIES
Two soggy hours later we returned to the car park for a debrief and made our list of spotted birds. We noted over 25 species seen during our walk including such delights as Goldeneye, Shelduck, Lapwing, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard - not a bad list for a non-birdwatcher!
See you on the reserves,
Best regards,
Chris Edwards