string boozel
Well-known member
Last day of the Easter weekend and I decided to keep things as local as possible. Having not been to Weldon for a bit I opted to go there first starting with the A43 pond. On the way down a Fieldfare called from within the steelworks, the last of the winter? Ten Tufted Ducks and four Gadwall plus the usual Dabchick, Coots and Moorhens were noted on the pond while a Kingfisher made a flying visit. No Mute Swans here this year which might be just as well given the survival rate of the cygnets but this means a pair of Canada Geese can nest unmolested. My first Garden Warbler of the year was singing its Blackbird meets Whitethroat song, like most migrants they're early this year.
At the other pond a group of Greylags were in noisy residence and another Kingfisher made an appearance. Lots of Willow Warblers were active around the pond and I spent some time photographing them. From here I wandered through the woodland park where a kite was perching on the kiddies climbing frame and then down past the church making my way to Bears Lane. Here I found a pair of Hares feeding in a ploughed field much closer than usual. Wanting to get a picture of the two together, I'm not one to split hares after all, I edged slowly closer and was successful in my efforts. There was also a lovely Cuckoo Pint flower here too.
Entering the Laundimer Wood complex I added another warbler to my growing list, a Grasshopper. This bird was singing almost constantly in an area of young birches about five hundred or so yards from the entrance. As this is the same area where I found one last year this looks promising and may well prove to be a regular spot. Lots of bird song here, Willow Warblers truly are abundant in this wood and rather less musical than most was the croaky contribution of a Raven.
I altered my route home in order to take in Ironpits Wood where the display of Bluebells must be one of the best around. For the second day in a row I failed to see any butterflies.
Two lots of pictures today, nothing special but a selection of today's sightings.
James.
At the other pond a group of Greylags were in noisy residence and another Kingfisher made an appearance. Lots of Willow Warblers were active around the pond and I spent some time photographing them. From here I wandered through the woodland park where a kite was perching on the kiddies climbing frame and then down past the church making my way to Bears Lane. Here I found a pair of Hares feeding in a ploughed field much closer than usual. Wanting to get a picture of the two together, I'm not one to split hares after all, I edged slowly closer and was successful in my efforts. There was also a lovely Cuckoo Pint flower here too.
Entering the Laundimer Wood complex I added another warbler to my growing list, a Grasshopper. This bird was singing almost constantly in an area of young birches about five hundred or so yards from the entrance. As this is the same area where I found one last year this looks promising and may well prove to be a regular spot. Lots of bird song here, Willow Warblers truly are abundant in this wood and rather less musical than most was the croaky contribution of a Raven.
I altered my route home in order to take in Ironpits Wood where the display of Bluebells must be one of the best around. For the second day in a row I failed to see any butterflies.
Two lots of pictures today, nothing special but a selection of today's sightings.
James.