Terrapins in the Lea

Kayaking today and saw a terrapin sitting on some rubbish by the side of the Lea Navigation (for anyone that knows the area just south of the railway bridge just south of Tottenham Lock). Then saw 2 more on a fallen branch the other side just north of the bridge.

I've seen them before in the Regents Canal, but this is the first time, after many years of kayaking up and down it and cycling alongside it, that I've seen them in the Lea Navigation.

Also first time this year I've seen a tiny coot chick (black with red heads) (though I have seen the older chicks with white throats and chests) and a large duckling family (close packed together and difficult to count, but I guess 10) and 2 pairs of Canadian geese with 9 goslings between them.

I've seen that before - two pairs of geese with their combined youngsters - I wonder how common that is? Would the adults be related? Or is it just coincidence?

Newt in the Lea Navigation

When I was young I never learnt about newts at school. Three times over the years I missed that lesson because of illness!

I was in my twenties before I saw my first newt. And I didn't see any again, which is a pity as I think they are amazing things to watch.

So really exciting today at Leaside (my kayaking club) to see a newt in the Lea Navigation right by the slipway.