Saturday 6 March 2021

Early Grey - Not to be Confused with a Nice Cup of Tea

 Only 5 days into Spring and already we are feeling a little overwhelmed but no complaints, as 'new for the year' Moths continue to show with Birds doing well also!

EARLY GREY
as the name suggests
and likewise in numbers
MARCH MOTH
both along with the 'first'
DOR BEETLEs
Down south a few Northern Thrushes (Redwing / Fieldfare) still linger but otherwise only the
splendour of the magnificent
SALLOW
Catkins Included
More good news at the Irrigation Pond where another (presumed) pair of
LITTLE GREBE
appear to have taken up residence as those at the Gravel Pit were seen just 10 minutes later.
The passing of the
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter
seemed not to disturb anything as during the monitoring of the Heath Moth Traps both
the heavy beat of a drumming
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
seemed almost in sync with that of the sewing machine-like taps of a
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER
which as far as timeing was concerned was right on queue and an addition to the year.
Also there was our first 'vocal'
LINNET
but doubtful the last  along with a rather photogenic and naked
SILVER BIRCH
while
a bubbly
DEAN'S DITCH
continues to flow into the Moors River making for good copy.
Close by the
WOODLARK
are not just present but singing and displaying while a second stop at the
Irrigation Pond found this male
MALLARD
quacking and shining in the new found sunshine, but a far more lucky find was this lone
COMMON SNIPE
which flushed before we had chance to bring the video to bear and then ending with the female
KESTREL
which we hope to be able to bring more of over the nesting season?