Ducklings and lizards welcome arrival of spring
This newly hatched mallard duckling took time out to smell the daisies at London Wetland Centre this week. Just in time for Easter the first broods of wild ducklings are hatching and spend most of their time darting around at top speed in search of food. But it’s not just ducklings that are enjoying the spring weather; this lizard looks particularly happy, if still a bit dozy, to wake up after four months to find the sun shining.
Snake’s head fritillaries are blooming in London Wetland Centre’s meadows, clusters of cowslips brighten the pathways and holly blue, brimstone and peacock butterflies are all heralding the arrival of spring. Other floral highlights at London Wetland Centre are lesser celandine, marsh marigold, blackthorn, colt’s foot, blue anemones, sweet violets and common field-speedwell.
As well as the wild animals and plants, London Wetland Centre is holding duckling displays throughout the Easter holiday during which you can follow the progress of real-life Easter eggs. See ducklings developing inside their shells at 'egg candling' demonstrations. The technique is called candling (although candles are no longer used) because it involves shining a bright light onto the egg so you can see through the shell to discover how the duckling is developing. When the ducklings have hatched, watch them taking their first swim in their very own pool. WWT wardens will be on hand to explain how the ducklings have developed and about their behaviour and habitats.
The Easter duckling displays and family activities take place from Saturday, April 9 until Monday, April 25. For full details of events and times see www.wwt.org.uk/london
April 11, 2011