sightings, plus

Sunday 30.03.08

a fox near the river.
a male blackcap near the bog area.
the reed buntings.
an industrious working party.
coffee and cake.

plus



the "resident" sparrowhawk patrols the skies over the reserve.
-always inducing panic alarm calls around the site when it's abroad.

a perky robin

an even perkier wren

butterflies are go

Sunday 30.03.08
the newly planted butterfly meadow area next to the hide,
has proved itself a success, so early in the year too.



comma perched on "honesty"

comma perched on a perenniel wallflower

peacock sunbathing on a stone

fritillaries appear again.
how long will they last this year??

A bird in the hand is worth ....

Last Saturday I was watching the kingfisher from the bridge with Sheila and Howard. I thought I would get a bit closer and use my new 20 x binoculars. So I stood by the bench and got a good view. Then I thought I was seeing things but to my amazement, there was another kingfisher virtually hidden behind the male, sitting quietly on the branch but further into the bush. The male did usual things like catching a fish and bashing its head on the branch, while the female stayed put quietly, not doing anything much. Sheila and Howard also came and saw the female - it was magic!

correction, two new faces

25.03.08

following on from the other day,
I can report two reed buntings on the site.

Fantastic!

I assume it's a breeding pair, but must admit that the variety of plumages leaves me a bit unsure.
Let's assume a pair, it's Springtime after all!

here is a group of images which I just had to show,
as this is a first -let's enjoy it!

here in numbers at the moment, siskin.
Like redwing, from Scandinavia, though the siskin seem to be present all year round,
but in reduced numbers.

just one of a 20 strong redwing flock in and around the reserve over the past few weeks.
Quite nervous birds to approach, hence the distant shot.

wrens show best at this time of year.

a new face

23.03.08
a reed bunting, seen here on a cold, grey day, the snow having cleared a little earlier.
Just imagine what a little sunshine could have done for this image.

Aren't I 'wild' enough?

Reserve Manager's report

Walking around the Reserve today in the glorious February sunshine, I counted 23 species of bird. I won't name them all, but the more interesting sightings were as follows.

Water Rail feeding at the water's edge
Kingfisher
Grey Wagtail - on main bridge
Heron
Pair of Coots in 'courting' mode
Small flock of Siskins in the Alder trees in the 'Sanctuary'
Jay
Long-tailed tits on birdfeeder

Woodpeckers were heard but not seen.

Several small fish were seen in the main lake.

On the flora side:
Snowdrops, Sweet Violets, Marsh Marigolds and Daffodils are in bloom
Hazel and Alder trees have catkins