Thames Watch 2008
Why not join in the Thames Watch competition, taking place this June?
The RSPB and the River Thames Guide are offering children between the ages of 5 and 10 a competition to explore the bird life on the Thames! This is a chance for children to embrace the beauties of the river, whether it’s on a school or club trip, or with Mum and Dad. Why not use the tick list of the top ten waterbirds that you see on the river? It will be loads of fun and children will get to explore some interesting places that have a relevance to what they are learning at school, or at Brownies/clubs etc. All teams that spot the top ten birds will be put into a draw, with the winning team receiving school or organisation equipment up to the value of £250. If your school/group or child would like to take part in the competition please contact jessica@riverthames.co.uk.
The River Thames can be split into 3 sections when identifying birds. These are:
Countryside Thames
This part of the Thames starts at the source in the Cotswolds Hills and runs through Oxford, Reading, Marlow, Staines and Richmond before reaching Putney in South West London.
Birds that you may see here include:
Mallard 
Males have a striking yellow bill and green head, browny/purple chest and pale body. The female is brown all over. They are very friendly and the female makes a loud ‘quacking’ noise while the male is much quieter.
Mute Swan
The mute swan is a very large white water bird. It has a long S-shaped neck, and an orange bill.
Moorhen
Moorhens are mainly water birds but they have been known to climb trees! They have yellow legs and feet. They are a secretive bird and dive when threatened and can remain under water for more than a minute.
London’s Thames
The Thames runs through the centre of London through areas such as Chelsea, Lambeth, Waterloo, City of London, Rotherhithe, Isle of Dogs and Greenwich.
Birds that you may see here include:
Cormorant
The cormorant is large water bird that has a long neck making it look like a reptile. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry.
Mute Swan
The mute swan is a very large white water bird. It has a long S-shaped neck, and an orange bill.
Black Headed Gull
The black headed gull is a common London visitor with flocks often reaching well in to the thousands
Estuarial Thames
The River is wide at this part of the Thames which runs from Greenwich to the Sea at Southend. The area around this part of the Thames is mainly salt marshes & mud flats.
Birds that you may see here include:
Heron
Herons are huge birds, standing almost a metre tall on long, slim legs. In flight they tuck their heads into their bodies but standing, their elegant, kinked necks give them plenty of reach when they dart forward to snatch fish or other food with their pointed beaks.
Wigeon
The wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a round head and small bill. The head and neck of the male are chestnut, with a yellow forehead, pink breast and grey body.