Black swan washing - # 09/24

Still at the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes: here's an Australian black swan washing itself.

I took several frames of this bird going through the antics of twisting itself into amazing coils, reaching every part of its body in the cleaning operation. I missed the moments when water was showering in all directions, but this is my choice photo showing off the "contortions".

Perhaps I ought to have cropped out some of the water area, but at least the bird is in context and does not overwhelm the whole picture

Two ducks, male and female - # 09/23

This is not my usual style of photo, but as Spring appoaches I couldn't resist this charming picture of "Him and Her" in their new home inside an old canoe. It was taken at the

http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/119/london_wetland_centre.html

Wildlife is under pressure and the Wetlands Centre is a remarkable example of how a huge 19th Century city water processing and distribution "miracle of engineering" can be converted into a magnificent and successful haven for water fowl.

A day out at the Centre is a delight for photographers and families, whatever their interests. It's like a world tour accomplished in a few hours.