Birdwatchers gathered at Rickmansworth Aquadrome to participate in the Winter Wildfowl Watch at the weekend.

A total of 24 people met in the aquadrome on Saturday morning to participate in the event, organised by the county's Countryside Management Service and Three Rivers District Council.

Ciaran Mullan, Hertfordshire County Council’s project officer, said: "At this time of year the UK offers more hours of sunshine, milder conditions and more accessible food supplies, free from snow and ice.

"This is an excellent time to see some of these winter visitors before they return in March and April."

The event ran from 10am to midday.

Mr Mullan added: "Each year Bury and Batchworth Lakes and the adjacent Stocker’s Lake attract many hundreds of birds in their own right.

"Among the more interesting birds spotted on Saturday were various duck species including goldeneye, shoveller, pochard, some very striking red crested pochard, wigeon and gadwall, as well as great crested grebes and Egyptian geese."

Birdwatchers also saw a redwing, a greater spotted wood pecker, long-tailed tits, a group of foraging siskins and large deceits of lapwing.

Mr Mullan added: "A really lovely day was had by all."