It is now the end of our short break in Norfolk and we are homeward bound, so why don't we pop into Welney on the way past? I eventually managed to get my lovely wife Jenny out of the gift shop and we were soon crossing the bridge over the river to the centrally heated main hide, although the heating has not been required so far this year.
The swans have been a bit late returning this year due to the mild weather and the latest count this morning was 1620 Whoopers and just 10 Bewicks, the latter sticking to the far end of the reserve. Even the duck numbers were low. The only ducks close to the hide were Pochard and Mallard. Normally, most of the Pochard are males but this year there were a couple of females to keep them company
The Lapwing flock was spooked a couple of times raising the hopes for a Marsh or Hen harrier, but the only raptor today was a Sparrowhawk which flew low across the marsh on a couple of occasions.
Feeding time today was at 3.30pm and birds flew in from far and wide to get in on the action.
The Mute Swans look beautiful in the afternoon sun and one pair in particular were indulging in some amorous advances perhaps thinking ahead to next year's breeding season.
But the stars of the show as always were the Whooper Swans which paraded up and down and posed for the camera. A visit to Welney is a must every winter.
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