Of Buses & Birds
We have had two EFOG outings in the past two weeks – one on 24th January to see the 'Year Of The Bus' exhibition at the Queen Elizabeth Park, the other on 1st February to the London Wetland Centre to celebrate 'World Wetland Day'. Both were held on chilly, but partly-sunny, days and both were enjoyable in different ways. Definitely worth the effort of layering on the layers and risking being caught in half-predicted sudden showers of sleet and snow.
A few of us had seen some of the bus sculptures, which have been on display individually around London since October. Seeing them all lined up on the “bridge” going into the park was quite impressive, if a bit exposed to the elements – a few were to be found elsewhere in the park. There was a huge variety of designs – some very imaginative. My favourites were one covered in mosaic designs, the flower fairy bus and the guardsman. The buses will now be auctioned off for charity – the chance to bid ends on 24th February. If you type in 'Year Of The Bus Auction' on your browser you can see all the buses – and make a bid if you want (starting bid for each £1000........ )
We were a day early celebrating World Wetland Day. The day itself is the 2nd February – a Monday this year; five of us braved the elements the Sunday before. 'Our' local wetland is in Barn Elms – always worth a visit. The otters were particularly charming with lots of “behaviour” to amuse and fascinate. We then went on a guided tour round the 'The Wildside' – almost had the guide to ourselves, going into several hides and up to the viewing point. Afterwards, we took ourselves round the “captive” areas – the Australian area was particularly interesting. We didn't manage to spot a bittern but there were plenty of others birds to see, including a smew or two and black swans. Not surprisingly, not much was happening in terms of plants but there were still some interesting ones around – we really missed the presence of our 'experts' …. but we were very lucky with the weather..... none of the wet stuff.
On the first visit I “rounded up” people who had gone to the park by different routes. On the second I was rounded up by the people I was supposed to “lead” - but I knew where we were ending up when we finished – didn't I gang? Hey ho – here's to the next time!
Pam 2nd February 2015