London Wetland Centre Smew

Todays weather forecast was cold, crisp and bright so I ambled along to the London Wetland Centre hoping the cold snap would bring the Bitterns out into the open. It didnt, but a rather gorgeous 1st winter Smew was around. It was a bit human-shy, so the only photos I did get were taken from the Peacock tower overlooking the main lake.

 

 

 

After those brief views, the Smew flew off and landed in a far corner where even the birders with the big strong powerful scopes couldnt find it.

 

Apart from that there wasnt much around. Several small mixed flocks of Siskins, Redpolls and Goldfinch were flitting around the tops of the highest trees, and there was a Goldcrest around the usual place near the Lodge. Couldnt get photos of any of them so contented myself with a shot of a sleeping Swan, and a fluffy Little Grebe.