Connaught Waters - Epping Forest

An early morning drive into the heart of Epping Forest and Connaught Water in search of Nightingale proved to be fruitless. The weather was kind to me though, with the sun up and warm too. There were plenty of other birds up and about though, with Blackcaps in good voice especially.
Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker were in attendance too, as were Nuthatch and a few Chiffchaff.
A nice surprise on the water were a pair of Common Tern. One was sat on a post while the other was engaging in courtship feeding, whereby the male (usually) goes and catches fish and then presents it to the female. It was quite interesting to watch, as she didn't seem that impressed. I guess it's like when a guy tries to buy a lady a drink in a bar, to woo her. Sometimes it might take a few drinks for her to see his good nature.

Common Tern.

Waiting for that second or third drink.

Some very cute goslings.

Just look how much bigger they will get.

The stripy headed juvenile Great Crested Grebe.

The very colourful male Mandarin Duck.

I wasn't expecting to see this Whistling Duck in Epping Forest.