What could well be my final visit ever to Radipole Lake ended this morning at 07:00, fortunately there was a succulent full English breakfast at the end of it to take out the sting. Bird numbers seem much reduced on previous years, except for maybe Cetti's Warbler and Bearded Tit, a muted dawn chorus, an inordinate amount of human generated clutter and still no sign of a Sedge Warbler. There was chance to discuss the latter with a RSPB representative, who suggested the cold weather might be holding them back, but my own observations suggest the contrary at Stanpit, Blashford, Farlington, Church Norton and Longhan to name but a few. So, what might be the last images from there (until a Penduline Tit appears) are reproduced below.
MUTE SWAN Signet
TUFTED DUCK males
MALLARD male
GREAT TIT
CETTI'S WARBLER
REED WARBLER
and finally, it was worth the walk
just to see this 'fine pair'.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Despite the announcement made some days ago ref a 'drop in production' we have managed to keep the ship afloat with only one or two days missed. Unfortunately, the pressures of getting my act together (coupled with lack of subject matter) are now bearing heavy and it could well be next week before the next post. If indeed time and photos allow we will publish again A.S.A.P.
