Rare Birds at Canary Wharf

Seems the Docklands landmark is kind of living up to its name. We're not talking actual canaries, you understand; more like random migrating birdies. Unusual ones. East London conservationists have been observing bird movement in the area, and over the last ten years have recorded an incredible number of rare visitors: black redstarts, peregrine falcons, booted warblers, any of which is apprently exciting enough to get the average twitcher's binoculars all misted up.

Whether the birds are doing the avian equivalent of sightseeing, have stopped to refuel, or are simply using the buildings as navigational tools is not immediately apparent. The area around the wharf does of course have plenty of water and sufficient green bits, many of them roof-borne, to offer the wing-weary traveller.

If you live or work in the area, keep your eyes peeled - the migrating season is upon us, and at the very worst the exercise will give you a real excuse for gazing out of the office windows (tell the governor that you are participating in a survey for the International Year of Biodiversity). And be grateful that we have spared you the obvious puns about high fliers, nest eggs and cranes pointing South. (Image/Ed.ward)