Forest of Dean Birding (Cannop Ponds)

I visited Cannop Ponds in May 2011 and again this year in July. The Manadarin duck I had previously observed was in eclipse and looking very ordinary so I am posting a before and after shot just to show the transformation.
The pond was also teeming with Coots and their young as well as moorhens who were regularly being chased off by the territorial Coots. A few Shoveler, Mallard and a pair of Mute swans with three cygnets were also present.

Mute swan 

Moorhen (female)

Coot with  young

Mandarin in spring.

Mandarin duck in summer

Apart from the birds, a large shoals of roach and some decent sized carp made for some excellent wildlife viewing in a very picturesque and historical region of the U.K.