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WORLD WETLANDS DAY - What's your favourite wetland bird?

MrsT
02/02/2011 16:26


As you may have read from Darren's post and our blog post on Saving special places, today is World Wetlands day!  Wetlands are a vital part of our countryside, they are essential wildlife habitats and interesting places for people to visit.  They also play an important part in our everyday lives supplying us with fresh water, helping to control flooding and mitigating the effects of climate change. Why not visit a wetland reserve today and see them for yourself.

Wetlands are home to many extraordinary species of bird, many of which, like the bittern and lapwing need our help! To celebrate World Wetlands day, why not tell us what your favourite wetland bird is? As usual, it goes without saying that if you have photos or stories about your choice, we want to hear about them - so get voting, enjoy!

Claire

 

  • 02/02/2011 17:10

    I have just been reading about World Wetland Day in my local Newletter.

    www.deeesturay.co.uk

    john.

  • 02/02/2011 17:24

    Hi MrsT

    Along the lines of if 'I vote for one you never know I might see it', I voted for marsh harrier.

    Everyone must know by now that I'm a bird of prey fan. :-))

    Best wishes Chris

    Click Here to see my photos

  • 02/02/2011 17:42

    I am lucky because my house is actually on a wetlands bird sanctuary.  Last year I looked out of my bedroom window and saw what I thought were three Little Egrets which is not unusual as I see them every day so I didn't take much notice. They were there for quite a while and on having a second look I noticed they were acting in an unusual way, it was then I realised that  they were Spoonbills I grabbed the camera just in time to see them fly off.

    I know they are still in the area so I am hoping they will come back.

     

                                               THERE THEY GO

  • 02/02/2011 22:15 in reply to Cottagegardener

    Cottagegardener said:

    I am lucky because my house is actually on a wetlands bird sanctuary.  Last year I looked out of my bedroom window and saw what I thought were three Little Egrets which is not unusual as I see them every day so I didn't take much notice. They were there for quite a while and on having a second look I noticed they were acting in an unusual way, it was then I realised that  they were Spoonbills I grabbed the camera just in time to see them fly off.

    I know they are still in the area so I am hoping they will come back.

     

                                               THERE THEY GO

    Lucky you Cottagegardener! fabulous birds... I do hope they come back.

    Claire

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous 02/02/2011 22:26 in reply to MrsT

    Hi Claire

    I would say my favourite wetland bird is the Lapwing.

    The reason for this choice is because they are so adaptable, and can live just about anywhere now.  They can nest inland and on the coastline very happily.

    Had great pleasure walking and listening to all 'Peewit' sounds while walking about the countryside everywhere around the UK.

    They are a bird I could never tire of at all

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

     

  • 02/02/2011 23:31 in reply to Anonymous

    I placed my vote from those listed for the Marsh Harrier as this does give a special thrill 

    However I do not really have a favourite bird as such. it is more the whole ambiance of the wetland and especially the saltmarsh.

    I can sit for hours just absorbing the sounds of the waders, the gulls, the Waterfowl, and the rest...., there is something so peaceful and serene, about the whole experience.

    We just have to work to make sure that this experience is available to our children and their children ;)

     

    Best regards
    Nigel

    | My Images |  Newport Wetlands on Flickr @barman58

  • 02/02/2011 23:37 in reply to barman58

    It's tough, really! I've seen them all and loved them all. Bittern in Norfolk was one of the best Bird Moments but my vote had to go to cetti's - though not too rare, it's a bird I found myself in a not-so-cetti's habitat!

    'Dip a dee dah, dip a dee ay, we're not seeing any birds to-day...'

  • 03/02/2011 00:42 in reply to Tern

    I voted for Golden Eye because we see them here on the Thames and they are lovely to watch.  We have them in greater numbers in the winter, but some now stay year round and even nest - ten to a dozen dear little fluffy ducklings emerge, but we don't know what their survival rate is on the Thames.  It's not a friendly habitat.

  • 03/02/2011 02:38 in reply to GrannyDuck

     

    I want to vote Gropper party!

    S

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • 03/02/2011 22:20

    Interesting so far, looks like Marsh harrier is swooping ahead!

    Claire