Croydon Ducks - Waddon Ponds

Croydon Ducks - Waddon Ponds - 2014

Latest update: 22nd August 2014

External Links: Council Information Google Map Croydon RSPB River Wandle Trust

Waddon Ponds is an eight acre park off the Purley Way, next to John Lewis, surrounded by housing. There are long ponds, gardens and a
playground. The ponds are fed by springs which are the source of the River Wandle, which runs buried though Croydon and eventually to
the Thames via other parks, including Morden Hall Park.

Best parking is in The Ridgeway or Waddon Court Road (CR0 4AG for satnavs), both off Croydon Road in Waddon, near the railway
station. There are entrances in other roads, including Mill Lane, next to John Lewis, but less parking. Closed at night.

There are lot of water fowl, including mute swans and a large number of coots. Nesting boxes are provided on stilts in the water. The water
fowl live both on and off the water, and wander around the lawns and gardens waiting to fed. The large number of water fowl suggest they
are well looked after by park visitors.

Older Photos of Waddon Ponds - 2013

9th February 2014, very few visitors to the park after weeks of rain, the ducks and geese are so hungry they are following us around.

Piegons, sea gulls, Canada Geese and Mallards.

This pond has fewer birds than normal.

A Little Grebe, don't often see them in the parks.

The Little Grebe again.

A large White Duck.

Mallards, Canada Goose and Coot.

A lot of vegetation has been cut back during the winter. Quiet on the main pond.

6th July 2014, lots of Canada Geese sitting near the small pond.

But they all wake up once food is announced.

The Coots are making good use of the nesting boxes. Contractors have been back this year for new plantings around the small pond,
protected by wire netting so make it harder for the birds to eat it.

The end of the main pond, Mallards waiting for food, a Coot sitting on a nest.

Sea bird of some sort, unusual in the summer.

The Coot is probably sitting on eggs, since the partner is still nest building.

Some Canada Geese come looking for food.

One of the few places birds can leave the main pond.

Usual collection of Canada Geese, Mallards, Tufted Ducks and Coots.

Another Coot nest.

Back on the small pond, the old bare wooden edging is now planted and netted, with a ramp for access for birds. Lucy used to enjoy
bathing here, but is now reluctant to walk further down the plank to the water.

The geese are still hungry.