Duck Buses!

3rd February - a quick lunchtime visit paid dividends.  With the water level noticeably higher again and much of the spit once again submerged, the focus was on wildfowl.  Most of the dabblers - Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and Mallard, were gathered in the area where the spit would be if was above water.  They were also secreting themselves amongst the willow branches around the main island.  Amongst these, a roosting female Goosander was a welcome addition to the year list.  I missed this species last year and was only aware of a single bird reported in 2013, so this is not an easy one to get.  The bird spent most of its time with its head tucked into its back, but did show itself fully on occasions.  When I left, it had either flown off whilst I was checking the flood meadows, or more likely, it had become hidden in the overhanging branches around the island.

Whilst scoping the Goosander, I was even more pleased when a pair of Mandarins suddenly swam through the same overhanging branches, with the male hauling himself out to sit on one just above the water.  Another tricky species to see here.  So, like the proverbial bus, I haven't seen an interesting duck all year and then 3 come along together.

Poor record shots at distance, but you can see what they are (I've put in some circles to help!):

The recent rain has once again caused the Thames to burst its banks and the flood meadows are now under a good foot or two of water.  The water has come back all the way to the railway track, which luckily is raised several feet so is not effected.  The raised water in the lake and reduced spit has kept the gulls away - only a handful today.