circling shovelers, originally uploaded by Yersinia.

Shovelers are an increasingly common sight on our urban small lakes and large ponds I think. Their behaviours mark them out as very different to the more common mallards etc.

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog

circling shovelers

Shoveller Duck, originally uploaded by Andyrob.

These Shoveller Ducks are quite interesting, on the ponds at Wanstead Flats.
We first saw them arrive for winter feeding last year, about six pairs then they went away again.

This year with the pond covered in Ice I managed to get a good look at this one paddling in small patch of thawed surface.,

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog

Shoveller Duck

We found a little patch near Kenwood House where some walkers were feeding the birds and squirrels. There was not one but several Jays, and a small gang of blue and great tits who came very close.

Also on Hampstead Heath we spotted a large hawk, not a kestrel and down by the ponds the RSPB had set up a little visitor centre tent and recorded a large number of species spotted including Kingfisher.

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog

Hampstead Heath

Birds on river trip, originally uploaded by Andyrob.

There seem to be increasing number of heron on the Thames these days, particularly around the Richmond area. They also come right into the city and can bee sen on the canals and sometimes even on duck ponds in the parks.

Thanks for subscribing to Andy Roberts blog

Heron on the Thames