Breeding Underway at Fringringhoe Wick, Essex

Despite the current cold spell, breeding is underway at Fringinghoe Wick Nature Reserve. This male Kestrel was stretching its wings etc after being relieved of his egg sitting duties in the nest box. Spring migrants (Blackcaps, Chiffchaff) were busy setting up territories along with resident birds. Nightingale was heard but not seen! Even saw a male Adder in his resplendent silver colours

 

Fowlmere - a Miscellany from Bees to Cockerel

A mixed bag of snaps from Fowlmere including a bee swarm in a willow - in fact there were two swarms in the same tree. A very confiding warbler allowed some good shots - although it didn't sing, I am sure this was a Willow Warbler with the pronounced eye stripe and supercilium and the paler legs  (compare to photo of a know Chiffchaff). I also managed a photographic glimpse of a Cetti's Warbler as it hopped around the undergrowth while the Long-tailed Tit happily displayed. As usual the only abundant birds were Grey Lag Geese with a few Canada Geese looking great among the emerging reeds and two very noisy cockerels.

 

Lackford Lakes - Egrets, Kingfishers and More

There was plenty of activity at Lackford Lakes yesterday but most at a distance. The Egrets were the most confiding - good to see a pair with the male crest. The Great Crested Grebes, as always, decided to do their weed dance in the far distance and even the kingfishers (two different sites) didn't come very close along with the Snipe. The closest bird was the final Chiffchaff

Paxton Pits - Nghtingale Heard Not Seen

Definite signs of spring at Paxton yesterday with Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing everywhere and lots of insects waking up. Short burst of Nightingale song in the undergrowth near the Moorings. Even a family of geese already on the water. Insect ID to follow!

Attenborough Nature Reserve Nottingham Birds

 I visited this large nature reserve on the River Trent yesterday.  It was overcast but warm and lots of birds were setting up their territories including Chiffchaff, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting.