Mandarin Duck, Lea Navigation, May 5th, 2026

A walk around King's Meads, but the Wood Sandpipers had moved off on their journey North. Warblers were calling everywhere and this Greater Whitethroat was singing loudly and showed off well against the blossom and the blue sky.

The Cuckoo was calling again, but I couldn't spot him today. However, I did take a picture of Lady's Smock, which is otherwise known as Cuckoo Flower as it blooms as Cuckoo's arrive in the country.

My target today was trying to find the male Mandarin Duck that has taken up residence on the Lea Navigation. An introduced species, they now have a healthy breeding population in England. Their exotic appearance somewhat different to our usual wildfowl! I tracked him down under the A10 viaduct where the reflections on the water from the graffiti on the bridge made for some interesting shots.

What a stunning bird! Keep an eye out for him when walking along the river. Good to bump into Joe Aggio, keeping watch over the swans.