Ah, there you all are!

Where is everybody?

Twelve ducklings have hatched out and are whizzing around the Mere - but be quick to see them as the Heron is waiting in the wings for his supper! Yesterday, there was the first sighting of four Moorhen chicks - alas - today, only two remain. Many visitors have commented on how beautiful the Reserve looks today. And it's true!

Blossom

The blossom is out. Notice the tiny orange caterpillar eggs on the leaf at the bottom.

the slime

A new visitor . . . .brown slime,
across the Mere.
Some sort of algae.
Have not been to site for while,
so don't know how long it's been here.
Looks nasty.



meanwhile, some more pleasant sights






The last two pics show our woodpecker at the feeders, but as you can see, he was being a bit secretive!
Look closely, in the upper pic. -he's there.

From the far side of the bridge, across the Mere, I saw him arrive at the feeder. As I approached him, (very slowly and quietly across the bridge) he sidled around to the back of the feeder. You would never have realised he was there.... Luckily, we both held our nerve, the next frame captured him beautifully.

top: wren
middle: robin
bottom: gt. spotted woodpecker

a few regulars

at the Mere, last Saturday, 07.04.2007

they may seem a little dull, but they all please the eye.
look closely, look at the subtle colours and patterns in the plumage.
































top to bottom: Wren, Long Tailed Tit, Dunnock.

I don't believe it!

Someone has stolen the fritillaries! Ah, a short but beautiful life.......

Luckily Steve managed to capture them on camera before their rapid demise. Pictured here are photos taken recently by Keith: Wren, Blue Tit and Canada Goose.

Sunday 8th April

more visitors than usual for a Sunday.... probably because the local DIY stores were closed!

marsh marigold

and fritillary in abundance (at least six)

it must be spring