West Hallam - Back To Swan Lake
w/e 27 April 2025
All of this week's pictures were taken with a Nikon D3300
We've been back to the Straw's Bridge Nature Reserve and walked
round the largest expanse of water there known as Swan Lake.
Since our last visit a solar powered Duck Feeder has been erected
where specially-formulated duck feed can be purchased for the
birds.
|
Armed with a bag of corn we had taken with us we started our
circuit of the lake passing the picnic area where the only creatures
taking advantage of the area were Canada Geese.
|
Sensing something would soon be on offer a line of swans glided
up behind us and provide evidence of why this is known as Swan
Lake..
|
When we reached a suitable spot on the far side of the lake we
deposited some corn close to the water's edge which was quickly
gobbled up by a pair of swans in tandem.
|
They were soon joined by more plus a number of mallards for a
feeding frenzy.
|
As we walked on, two ducklings under the ever present guard of
their mother made their presence known.
|
It all seemed too much for a male mallard a little distance away
who was content to snooze at the lakeside.
|
As we neared the completion of the circuit there was an area
between the path and the water that was full of holes. When we
had first arrived at Swan Lake a number of rats were scuttling
around near the car park and we assumed these holes and tunnels
had been created by them.
|
We had first seen the rats on a previous visit to Swan Lake and
they certainly seem to be thriving here and are unfazed by birds
and humans alike.
At first we were undecided whether they were rats or water voles
but with their prominent ears, pointed snouts and long tails,
we came down firmly on the rat side of the debate.
|
Even a sudden disturbance in the water had little effect on the
rodents. Our overall impression from this visit to Swan Lake
was that there seemed to be more rats and fewer bird. Maybe it's
the time of year; maybe it's nature restoring the balance but
feel their presence in such numbers detract from the attraction
of Swan Lake.
|
