We travelled by train as when you have lots of time it is the least stressful option. The wetlands is a 15-20 minute walk from the station. Raindrops began to pitter patter down on us as we walked down the long tree-lined path, our shoes crunching the many golden leaves that already littered the ground. We were ravenous by the time we reached the wetlands so the first thing we did was order lunch. The cafe looks out over Swan Lake and watched as the ducks and swans swam happily around in the downpour.
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| What's a little rain to a duck? |
Our first stop after food was to be the boat safari but the rain was proving to be unrelenting so we instead we sought shelter by the Icelandic Lake, watching ducks from Iceland - common scoters, harlequins and long tails. The ducks are from Lake Myvatn and are now an endangered species due to dredging of the lake floor for minerals, which has a had a negative effect on the lake's ecosystems. The scoters were really cool. They make a funny cooing noise before soaring through the water.
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| A common scoter in action! |
We spent many minutes watching the ducks before heading back towards the small jetty as the rain had finally stopped. We joined seven others on a small boat along with a guide. The boats have silent motors so as not to disturb the wildlife and thus increase the chances of seeing something up close. After several minutes we spotted a water vole hurrying across the bank and then vanishing into the rushes. Further on we saw one chomping on a reed stalk. Apparently when they are eating they think you can't see them, which allows you to get fairly close as long as you are still and quiet. Sorry, I just have to say that water voles are so cute!
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| Ratty from Wind in the Willows enjoying lunch :) |
After the boat safari we just meandered around the wetlands, stopping by various bird hides in the hope of spotting something special, and otherwise enjoying the wide variety of ducks, swans and geese from around the world. We did spot a reed warbler - such a loud little chirrup for something so diminutive! We also saw a heron being chased by some vicious herring gulls. It looked like the heron maybe had a fish in its beak, and whilst capable of getting their own fish, herring gulls prefer to steal and scavenge, and so we watched them literally 'snapping at the heels' of the poor heron as we were looking out across the Reed Bed (a Site of Special Scientific Interest). The heron eventually disappeared, the gulls swooped after it and then they flew up into the air and back in the direction they had come, demonstrably fish-less. I later learned that herons can land in trees which gulls can't, so presumably the heron managed to land somewhere in the woods and enjoy his fish in peace.
After that drama we checked out some more rare ducks from around the world before meandering through the Reed Bed keeping our eyes pealled for kingfishers. Sadly we didn't see any - their iridescent blue feathers reflect the sun making them easiest to spot on bright days, but by now the sky had blackened considerably and before long the heavens opened and the rain really really poured this time, steady and torrential, combined with strong, chilly gusts. Oh autumn...
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| The Reed Bed SSSI |
Thankfully we soon made it back to the cafe in time for tea and cake, and then delayed our exit by visiting the gift shop. The rain had stopped and so we began our wander back to the station, enjoying the fresh autumn air for at least a few yards. But of course this is Britain and so the rain returned with an even great vengeance. And so we arrived at Arundel Station like drowned rats (or water voles, but I don't think they mind the rain...), mud-splattered, dripping and shivering. Thankfully, at Barnham Station where we had to change trains, we were able to purchase a large steaming cup of tea.
And on the way home we saw a huge rainbow, arched high above the rail track. A beautiful addition to a lovely day and a welcome sight after being drenched to the bone.
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| The photo doesn't do it justice, it was stunning. |
We had just enough time once we were back home to dry and change before heading to our favourite Italian restaurant for an absolutely delicious three-course meal.
A day of adventure with my favourite person, admiring the beauty of God, and indulging in fantastic food. My kind of birthday :)
Photos my own.
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