The woods were certainly more productive and less breezy. There were several Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing, and I even managed a glimpse of a female Blackcap, with her brown cap, by the main lake. A Treecreeper caught our attention as he / she was bring small twigs to a tree close to the main pool. The twigs were fairly large and it was fun watching it as it attempted to manoeuvre them into the hole.
Treecreeper above the nest entrance
Some nesting material
Including Ash
Early in the year I came across some Snowdrops along one of the pathways, well today these had been replaced by early Bluebells. Further into the wood there were carpets of them, just coming into flower. A cackle from a male Blackbird got me looking back and there on a branch was a young Blackbird begging for food from his dad. That must have been a really early brood!
Bluebells
In full bloom
A young Blackbird calls for food
On the water, two of last years cygnets were being chased around the pool by the Cob, with one cygnet taking refuge on the dam wall itself. The cob wasn't too pleased about this and was about to clamber out himself, but as he did so the cygnet managed to get back onto the water on the other side of the reeds in an attempt to get away. Also on the lake were 3 Tufted Duck a female and 2 drakes.
One of two cygnets still on the pool
As we made our way back to the car park a pair of Buzzards were high up over Stanton House minding there own business until a Carrion Crow saw them and continuously bombarded them until they drifted away to the east. In the fields the lambs were definitely getting bigger, whilst the adults were having to share the water troughs with the Rooks and Jackdaws.
A Rook looks on from a water trough
Back at the Car Park I met up with Tony Martin and Andy, who I'd not met before, but are regular contributors to the SBaW Blog. We had a really lovely chat and like Tony was saying it was nice to put a face to the name. Hopefully we meet again.
A Robin
Birds Recorded: 4 Mute Swan (2 adults + 2 juveniles), Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck (2 drake, 1 duck), 2 Buzzards, 2 Pheasant, Moorhen, Coot, Wood Pigeon, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird + 1 juvenile, 5 Blackcap incl 1 female, 8 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, Wren, Rook, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Today's Photos Here