A Non Birding weekend with Birds!

We went down to London on Saturday to visit our son who lives in Mile End. So not a birding trip at all.

However!
We went down the M40, with the hope of seeing Red Kites along the way, and did we! We lost count at 45. As the weather was so good, they were coming down low over the carriageway and we had some really good views. We stopped at the Oxford services and had a great display by one in particular. We just love the way they turn on a six pence (2.5p for those who only do decimal) Also clocked 10 Buzzards and 3 Kestrels en route.

On Sunday we went out for a late lunch and walked along the Canal at Victoria Park, Mile End. Couldn't help making a list:  Mallard, Canada Geese, Greylag, Black Headed Gull, Moorhen, Coot, Magpie, Ferral Pigeon, Robin, Blackbird, Crow & House Sparrow

Late afternoon we set off home and decided to drop in at Rainham Marshes, we got there at 4:15, they close at 4:30 and shoo everyone out, so in 15 minutes just from the visitor centre
Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Magpie, Starling, Reed Bunting, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Blackbird,
Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Grey Heron,
Gulls in the distance of various types, much to far to identify

Was very disappointed they shut so early thought it would be 5pm at least! Oh well it's a long drive back so had a cup of tea and set off!