Above the airplanes come in
and out of Heathrow whilst in the background emergency sirens can be
heard frequently. In the middle of this are a series of disused
Victorian reservoirs which are now a haven for wildlife in this busy
city. Welcome to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust London Wetland Centre.
The main attraction at the
moment for serious twitchers has been the sighting of a little
bittern. The reed beds are the perfect habitat for this bird. It's
the first time a little bittern has been spotted at the London
Wetland Centre. This species is usually more at home in southern
European climes. I was lucky enough to see a bittern at Potteric Carr
near Doncaster many years ago and I know how elusive such birds can
be.
For the less committed there
are plenty of other birds to see all around. There is a selection of
six hides ranging from the three storey Peacock Tower to the family
friendly Headley Hide with large observation windows.
As a designated Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) wildlife conservation and
research is at work all the time. When we went through the tunnel to
the back of the sand martin bank we were able to witness the ringing
of five sand martin chicks. The back of the nest has a wooden plate
that is removed to get access to the chicks. While the chicks are
being ringed the plate is left off so the mother knows something is
wrong but will keep returning to the nest. If the plate is put back
while the chicks are out of the nest the mother will think the chicks
have been taken for good and will then abandon the nest.
Naturally education is also
important at the London Wetland Centre. There's activities for ages
with special sessions being run for children. Pond dipping and mini
beast hunts are big hits.
It's not all about the
birds. Naturally the waters are full of pond life but there are also
mammals both wild and brought in. On the grazing marshes the cows sit
down while the grey clouds gather overhead. Just another day for the
London wildlife.
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| Hosted by Rambling Woods |
i love hearing about wetlands and nature reserves in cities, looks like a lovely place to visit, wish we had a few places like this in Dubai
ReplyDeleteWe very nearly went there last week for an event. It does look an interesting place to visit.
ReplyDeletevery interesting. #animal tales
ReplyDeleteYour photos are full of the Nature. They evoke endless peace inside and calm pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic. Wonderful habitat and much needed in your country and mine... Michelle
ReplyDeleteI love wetland Centres and apparently there is one not too far from us near Caen - I must investigate further. And oh to see a bittern. They were at another wetland site I was at many years ago but we never saw them. #AnimalTales
ReplyDelete