Staines.. and Such

I don't know about anyone else, but yesterday morning I woke up to the sight of something completely out of the ordinary. I kid you not, there it was in the sky... the Sun; albeit a weak, hazy blob barely hovering above the clouds, but still the sun nonetheless.

Not wanting to waste such a rare event, I joined the congested mass of cars on the A308, and headed for the concrete jungle that is Staines, for a spot of bird watching. Other than being the legendary birth-place of Ali G and the 'Staines Massive', Staines is also pretty well known for a number of large open spaces, which act as vital rest points for migrants travelling through the city. My first stop was Staines Reservoir; a vast expanse of open water with a thin public causeway down the middle, situated just south of Heathrow, were a Red-throated Diver had been reported, along with the usual wintering Great Northern Diver, which wasn't too hard to find...

The Red-throated Diver was eventually located at the far end of the north basin, but never came close. Anyone know if the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is still taking entries? ...  

No trip to Staines would be complete without a visit to the Reservoir's slightly drier counter-part, Staines Moor; a collection of rich meadow pastures, grassland, and woodland, bisected by the River Colne, and all situated within a stone's throw of the M25. A true haven amongst an urban jungle.

A timid pair of Water Pipit were feeding along the River Colne, with both birds starting to come into summer plumage, and showing a very slight pinkish colour to the breast. On the way out of the Moor, a singing Firecrest turned up out from out of nowhere, and displayed beautifully in the afternoon sun along the concrete path that leads between the Moor and King George VI reservoir. An evening cropping session revealed that the bird has a silver ring on its right leg. Not that that means anything without being able to see the actual code itself...

The day was rounded off with a dash over to Canon's Farm, near Banstead, where a certain Mr. Campbell had located the long-staying local Barn Owl roosting in an elm tree. I've been eyeing up this particular bird for the past week, but never expected views anything like this. It was all pretty surreal, with the bird happily snoozing- and occasionally preening- just metres above our heads. One of those encounters you just don't forget. The bird remained in situe for the best part of an hour, before heading off across the fields and into the gloom...

Ali G on the subject of the environment...