Bear left keeping on the Redway 6 . In early summer the air is filled with the loud 'tuc-tuc' of sedge warblers. Later in the autumn these small brown birds migrate across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert in one single flight. Cuckoos are sometimes seen in the spring probably looking for reed warblers nests in which to lay their eggs. One regular and unexpected visitor to the lake and river is the common tern.
Terns look like seagulls but have a forked tail, long wings and a very graceful flight.
They are normally thought of as seabirds nesting on shingle beaches and flying thousands of miles each year to winter off the western African coast. However some choose to nest by inland lakes such as Willen and catch fish from lakes and canals. Continue round Walton Lake leaving the Redway to walk across the steep open grassy bank. Continue on round the lake towards the Open University and river 8 . Running alongside the lake is a culvert carrying a stream and storm water from road drains.