This is the first time that I have updated the blog for a
while!
Lockdown has certainly limited the opportunities to get out
and about. That is what has led to this
post about one little place that has been a treasure, especially when we were
all limited to walking not far from home. This is the small lake at Waterloo
next to the more famous Crosby Marina.
The Marina itself is well worth a visit. But the small lake alongside it attracts a fascinating and beautiful array of birds which makes it popular with walkers and , on occasions, more serious birdwatchers. It is easy to find. You walk down South Road from Waterloo Station, past the Waterloo Place Café. Keep going in a straight line towards the beach and you will come to a path with the main Marina on your left and the smaller lake on your right. You will see some typical favourites such as Mallards, Coots and mute Swans – no less stunning for being familiar.
But there will also be surprises. One sign of an unusual visitor is a group of twitchers with their serious cameras and backpacks. That was certainly the case earlier this year when a Long Tailed Duck dropped in for a few days. It is known as a sea duck and so is a rare sight in a lake, albeit one that is near the sea! He tended to keep his distance so a good photo was challenging but it was still a treat to see him
Another treat this year has been the pair of black swans that have been around for most of the summer and early autumn. I have previously only seen them in Australia. They are stunning. They are heavily outnumbered by the Mute Swans but still manage to bully their bigger cousins when there is food around.
There is also no shortage of diving ducks, Canada Geese and the occasional Pink Footed Goose.
It costs nothing to visit the lake, which is a pleasant diversion on the way to, or from the beach. Late afternoon is possible the best.
If your eyes are fast enough you may even catch the occasional swift or swallow.
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