A visit to the London Wetland Centre is always a delightful experience whatever the season. There is so much to see, hear and do for all ages.

Arriving one afternoon in late March I was serenaded by a mistlethrush in the carpark while in the distance, a rare cetti's warbler, now well established at the centre uttered his powerful, far-reaching explosive liquid song as lapwings tumbled around the sky wheezing 'pee-wit' display calls.

From various hides many species were observed. Superbly camouflaged snipe (pictured) waded along the rushy margins near a pair of redshank probing the mud and a black-tailed godwit patrolled the marsh as a little ringed plover flew across the water.

Black headed gulls indulged in noisy confrontation on gravel banks. Teal, our  smallest duck were common and I'd never seen so many handsome tufted duck. Mallard, wigeon, and other species were present while cormorants, coots herons and dabchicks  added to the list. Any day now, we will welcome terns and sand martins.

Of course, while primarily organised for birds, as the season progresses, wild flowers, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies abound. If fortunate we may spot a grass snake sinuating across the water, watch water voles quietly nibbling vegetation along the banks or visit otters in their enclosure.

In addition to native wild species, many 'rescued' resident water birds can be viewed including barnacle geese, bewicks swans and a wide range from around the globe. Sometimes all the birds scatter as a peregrine falcon zooms in.

After absorbing all the sights and sounds, enjoying a cheeky cappuccino and a muffin completes the day in the excellent restaurant.