Lakeside Colours.

Earlier this week I paid a visit to Wraysbury Gravel Pits which comprises a mosaic of open water, islands, grassland scrub and woodland within an area of former gravel extraction.

This was my initial view over Hythe Lagoon. Initially very little to be seen on the water but as I know from previous visits first impressions can always be deceptive. As I slowly walked along the pathway some wildlife came into view using the bins. Cormorants resting in the distant trees, a Grey Heron hidden in the reeds plus at least 50 Tufted Ducks, a few Mallard, Coot, Pochard and Shovellers resting way over on the far side. 

A little closer were Mute Swan, Black-headed Gulls and numerous Great Crested Grebes but contantly swimming well away from my side of the lagoon so distant shots only on this occasion.

When the sun broke through the waterside foliage showed its true colours by spreading its tints across the still waters.

There were plenty of autumnal colours lining my route to provide some interest plus sightings of Wren, Blue and Great Tits, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Jay, Magpie, the usual noisy Parakeets, Jackdaw, Crows, Dunnock and Kestrel.
In any event I will probably return later this year as this location regularly supports good numbers of Wigeon, Pochard, Goldeneye plus a few Goosanders and the Smew, one of my favorite wintering ducks.    FAB.