Wildlife photography enthusiasts from the growing Hall Place Hiders group joined Chris Rose, Thames Road Wetland Site Manager, on 21st May for a walk from Crayford Riverside, down to and around the wetland, so as to gain an appreciation of the Cray Valley and its wildlife downstream of their usual haunt. Places had been limited to ten, but in the event five were able to come. Given the narrowness of some of the paths this smaller number turned out to be ideal from the point of view of everyone being able to get the pictures they wanted of the various species seen.
At the wetland itself good numbers of Swifts were seen, a House Martin, female Sparrowhawk, Greenfinch, Whitethroat, Reed Warblers and Cetti’s Warblers and a Male Reed Bunting were heard. There was considerable fledgling Starling action. Butterflies seen were Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Green Veined White, Peacock, Holy Blue, Small White, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood. We observed Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly and Banded Demoiselle. Common Lizard were seen sunning themselves and a grass snake that was too quick to photograph! Marsh Frogs were croaking. The nationally scarce Marsh Sow-thistles and extreme London rarity Brookweed were looked at.
Hall Place hiders (left to right) Lisa and Martin Burke, Jean Bufton and Donna Zimmer photographing insects at Thames Road Wetland (Photo: Chris Rose)
Some of the Hiders’ excellent photographs taken on the visit can be seen in 21st and 22nd May posts at their ‘out and about’ Facebook page entitled Bexley Hiders Photography Walks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664837523792544/
Another such walk is scheduled for June 6th.
Chris Rose. Thames Road Wetland Site Manager.
