I managed a rare visit to the Wetlands on Tuesday (rare because of ongoing commitments) but in the short time I was there I was lucky enough to catch sight of a Water Rail. These are no more than record shots but any sighting is worth recording.The water level in the short pontoon area is low at the moment and in the past this has been the best time for sightings. the only problem is it's become rather overgrown so it's a case of seeng between and through the reeds.
Leaving there I saw some Reed Buntings on the ground by the entrance and then a Curlew down on the estuary mud. Finally in the distance I saw this flotilla of swans with very large cygnets. from a distance they looked like they could be a different species but close up it's obvious they are Mute Swans. I heard several Cetti's and heard a few Beardies but no sightings on this occasion. A flock of Long-Tailed Tits down by the hide, a Goldcrest calling in Perry Lane and many Wigeon and Gadwall on the lagoons.
Excellent captures JL showing just how it is on misty day! Loved Reed Bunting & elegant cygnet also Curlew!
Not very well up on Wigeon, still learning & was very surprised to find all the Canada Geese at Stodmarsh replaced by Teal!! Had to Google to ID my own pics! Lol
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Cheers Wendy - not a very good shot of the Wigeon but there are literally hundreds in the winter in Goldcliff so I'm hoping for better. it is such a pretty bird!