Another Amazing Visit to Welney

12th November 2017

It's that time of year again to travel to Welney for our annual pilgrimage to see the Whooper Swans and supporting cast, although we could have returned early as is often the case, we came across a flock of Whoopers in the field on the approach road to the visitor centre. Luckily they were commuting between two feeding sites and we were therefore not only able to get some shots on the ground, but also in flight.

It was also good to see so many young ones amongst them.

At the visitor centre there were many birds on the feeders, but at this time of day the sun is in your eyes from the viewing platform. However, luckily many of the Tree Sparrows had already had their fill of seed and were happy to sit in the hedge in the sunshine. This was a very welcome sight as they are now confined to just one site in Hertfordshire.

Here is a comparison with a female House Sparrow.

Out on the reserve there were large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits roosting on the islands along with good numbers of Wigeon and Teal.

Pochard is normally the commonest duck and today was no exception. It was also a bonus to see just a single female there as the vast majority fly further south to Spain for the Winter.

It may still only be the middle of November, but the Mallards were already preparing for next Spring's breeding season with much chasing around amongst the drakes. This was not only great to watch, but also produced some great action shots.

..........and the first time I have been able to see and photograph a synchronised wing-flap.

Back to the swans and let us not forget our resident Mute Swans which are so regal and graceful, but today's mission was to see and photograph the migratory Whooper Swans which visit Welney each year.

Don't they look stunning with their crocus-coloured bills against the dark blue water of the lagoon.

When I first saw them at Whipsnade Zoo when I was about 7 years old I remember thinking that it looked as though the yellow on the bill had been painted on.

Some of the newly-arrived swans have a brown stain on their heads which is caused by the Iron Oxide in the lakes in Iceland. Luckily, it disappears after a couple of days at Welney.

They are normally quite active, especially during the afternoon when feeding time approaches, which of course is great for flight shots as they come in to land, and take off in small groups.

I have been coming here each year for several years now and each time is special with something slightly different going on. What an absolute spectacle!!