Ducking & Diving

With  various visits to Wetland areas this winter,

there's been lots of activity

 from the various species of  ducks & geese that congregate.

From the ducking & bowing of their heads to preen their feathers . . . .

To finding that next feed,

combined with some diving into the water

for other delights to wet their apetite.

 Plenty of the Ducking & Diving . . .

But there's even some ESCAPING!

Winter @ Slimbridge

More sences from Slimbridge,

but much to our surprise,

the Wetland Centre is undergoing some major changes. 

 Mechanical equipment occupied some of the area rather than birds,

changing the landscape of the lagoons close to the main building.

Much of the plant life had been cut back,

no doubt in readiness for another growing season

But with this reinvention of the area,

other views were evident,

 giving the landscape a new prospective at the present.

Despite all the changes taking place,

 it was still an enjoyable day out.

The last view I captured,

 was of the bronze bust of  the late,  Sir Peter Scott,

 founder of the Wetland Centre in 1946,

with a Gull resting on his head.

As he had worked hard to establish this centre for birds & wildfowl,

it's quite appropriate.

Wildlife in the Park

Yesterday afternoon, after I had finished work for the week,

I decided to get some fresh air before heading home.

We have so much in our local area,

 that we often take it for granted & don't even appreciate what is there to see.

After a walk through the town centre

& towards the top of the High Street,

 I choose to walk around one of the towns oldest & largest parks, Vivary Park. 

A couple of Squirrels caught my attention as I walked.

The one I was able to photograph stood motionless at first,

as he had sensed my prescence,

then he proceeded to bury his food he had started eating,

before darting through the grass & up the nearest tree,

but leaving his scent trails behind to enable him to find his food at a later date.

Further on, by the stream that flowed alongside the park,

there was alot of movement & commotion

coming from the Goose that was busy flapping his wings.

Also plenty of Mallard Ducks to be seen,

Just love the photo of the female duck above preening her feathers.

The park is a favourite haunt to see children feeding the ducks,

 today a pair of Mute Swans were positioned well in front,

 aiming to get as much as they can.

An afternoon well spent. . . .  .

Flooding on the Levels

Totally amazed to the extent of the flood water on the Somerset Levels. . . .

Definitely covering field after field. . . .

Although some preventive work was completed some years ago,

to help stop flooding,

 this was definitely apparent it hadn't worked in this corner of the Levels.

Fortunately, it didn't invade the road going to Street that was very closeby.

I just wonder how long this will linger. . . .

Icy Conditions

Yesterday, we travelled to London for the second time during the past week.

Our aim was to head for the London Wetlands Centre @ Barnes.

The weather was bitterly cold with icy conditions,

so warm clothes & the regular intake of hot drinks

 were very much needed to keep us going through the day.

A majority of the water was frozen,

 making it extremely difficult for the various species of ducks/geese.

Certainly didn't need to see a 'Panotmine on Ice',

 as the spectacular of the day was 'Ducks on Ice!'

Although treacherous conditions for the wildlife, even slippery conditions for us humans,

so grateful for my walking boots, although even then, I had to take care.

Just loved the duck below preening his feathers

Slimbridge

I'm sure they were talking about me......