Headed to the Waterworks NR despite the heavy rain - figured it would be quiet and devoid of kids and cyclists.
On entering the Reserve I startled two green woodpeckers - one near the picnic table on the right, the second near the wooden boat. As usual, there were more magpies than I could count. Headed to the clump of trees where I saw the firecrest on Friday, then down the boardwalk but nothing to see.
The hides were more productive. Bed 13 - 6 Teal and 3 female Shoveler. Fox in the Big Boring Bed.
Snipe and 12 Teal in bed 16 - the snipe seem to be moving closer and closer to the hide which is nice.
Was in for a lovely treat in Bed 18 which was just full of birds seemingly enjoying the deluge - 2 swans, numerous tufted ducks, 6 mallard, little grebe, black headed gull, pochard looking beautiful, gadwall, coot & mallard, then something fluttering on the far bank....a green sandpiper!
It stuck around for about 5 minutes than flew off towards Walthamstow marshes when one of the swans got a bit too close.
Seeing all these beautiful birds makes a bleak, winter's day seem so much brighter.
By now - freezing cold and soaking wet, I decided it was time for me to leave too. I feel I have earned a pot of Earl Grey tea and piece of homemade fruitcake. SH
Hope the Firecrests come back soon!
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