Paxton Pits Spring Walk

Yesterday morning was our monthly public nature walk at Paxton Pits, led by Mike who pointed out lots of  signs that the wildlife is waking up from the winter dormancy and making plans to reproduce whether plants or animals. The blue tits were busy in various areas collecting moss for their nest accompanied in one area by siskins. The latter may be winter visitors though there is a good breeding population in the uk (lowest in the East of England but showing a 44% increase since 2013). Lots of Chiffchaffs voicing their claims on good nesting areas with their calls. The insects are definitely getting active with the Tapered Dronefly, Early Colletes bee, the parasitic Bee Fly and Peacock Butterfly on the wing. Lots of signs of nest building, courtship and territory aggression among the birds and the Muntjac are much bolder when they need to build up body mass for breeding and territorial disputes.

 

Summer Leys Hedgerow Birds

 In addition to the lakes at Summer Leys, the Feeding station with viewing hide is always an attraction and, apart from the lack of Bullfinches, it was as good as ever with lots of activity and species. Sad to see the Chaffinch with the Fringilla papillomavirus affecting its feet (this may be the cause, with avian flu, for the decline in Bullfinch numbers). Otherwise a delightful hour or so was spent watching and photographing their antics, especially the delightful but very aggressive Siskins. There was a Chiffchaff singing loudly and flitting in the trees and a Sparrowhawk whizzed through at water level (no photo!!!) and we think removed one feeding bird.

Lake Vyrnwy Birds

 Although I didn't see any of the birds that I hoped to (Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler), these photos remind me of a very enjoyable day walking around the visitor centre and up to the waterfall, especially the Red Kite hunting the hillside. It was a very cold day with occasional hail storms and snow visible on the hills so not surprising that the summer visitors were silent and stayed in shelter. Other birds shown - Meadow Pipit, Siskin, Nuthatch, Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Chaffinch, Dunnock

Garden Birds

A lot of activity in the garden today with up to 6 goldfinches feeding on the various seed heads (so glad I haven't been tempted to clear these away yet). They were joined at the feeders by Longtailed Tits - now in pairs as breeding starts, Greenfinch, Starlings and, for the first time this year, a Siskin.

Winter Birds in Toft

A few birds from a walk round our village. . Lots of Redwings feeding on the ground along with Blackbirds and Fieldfares. Great to see a Siskin in the trees - it was only a dark silhouette to the eye so pleased to be able to do the ID on the computer after lightening the file. The Starling is definitely the star of the set with his iridescent plumage