Swan Lake

It's that time of year again, where juvenile and unattached Mute Swans start to wander. And today a cob Mute Swan was trying his luck on Liden Lagoon. Even the resident pen was involved in the chase, as she and her mate chased the "interloper" around the south island a few times before all 3 had a break. I'm sure they were all at again when I left!

Highlights today were 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Shovelers (2 adult drakes, 1 adult drake eclipse, 3 females), 32 Tufted Duck and just 1 pair of Gadwall. I say just, on my last visit here (26 Nov) there were 33!! Well not anymore...........

Here are a few images from my visit today....

Mute Swan

The chase is on. The resident Mute Swans pursue the interloper

The Chase as it unfolded.

One of the two Great Crested Grebes here today. A pair may be!

A drake Shoveler and 2 females

A drake Shoveler

The only pair left of the 33 Gadwall here last month

My theory from L to R - Adult drake, adult female, juvenile female and juvenile drake. 

A Coot resurfaces

This Coot was diving down to collect weed and the pair of Gadwall and Black-headed Gull were helping themselves to a few tit-bits.

Whilst this Moorhen picks off bread crumbs from the rocks.

This Moorhen was up on the rocks feeding on left over bread crumbs.

1st winter Herring Gull

2nd winter herring Gull

Adult winter Herring Gull

Adult winter Herring Gull in flight 

Above a 2nd winter Common Gull and below 2 juvenile Herring Gulls

A Grey Wagtail in flight

Birds Recorded: 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Mute Swan (resident pair, adult Cob, 3 juveniles), 12+ Canada Geese, Mallard, 1 pair Gadwall, 6 Shoveler (2 drake, 1 drake eclipse, 4 female), 32 Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, 100+ Black-headed Gull, 15 Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, 1 Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow.