Swift, Yellow Wagtail and Hobby

Saw my first Swift of the year flying overhead this morning.

A quick glimpse of the Reed Warbler, and then on to feed the Mallards under the road bridge. They've got friends now, in the shape of Canada Geese.

Over by the pub, I could see one of the Oystercatchers, a few Common Terns flying around, and up by the swollen river, a Grey Heron was patiently waiting for breakfast to present itself.

As I passed the weir, a quick flash of a Kingfisher over the water, and still four Tufted Duck swimming around.

Round by the pub, a pair of Yellow Wagtails, lit by the sunlight, along with a few Canada Geese,

Walking towards the far end of the lake, plenty of Reed Buntings were around,

and the Sedge Warbler was still being impossible to see properly for a picture.

At the far end of the south lake a change to see a Jackdaw by the footpath.

Usually see these flying overhead in the mornings, along with the Rooks.

As I made my way towards the rowing club, a Hobby was circling overhead, and gradually glided off to the east.

The pair of Mute Swans are getting on with the new nest.

All the work this morning was by the male, while the female was swimming around, and feeding.

Swallows and House Martins were skimming over the water as I got back to the car park.

A good morning, in some sunshine, for a change.

Full list of today's sightings

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Little Grebe [sp] (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Eurasian Hobby [sp] (Falco subbuteo)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Eurasian Oystercatcher [sp] (Haematopus ostralegus)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Common Tern [sp] (Sterna hirundo)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Common Swift [sp] (Apus apus)

Common Kingfisher [sp] (Alcedo atthis)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

British Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flavissima)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

Eurasian Reed Warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla)

Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita)

Willow Warbler [sp] (Phylloscopus trochilus)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Eurasian Jackdaw [sp] (Corvus monedula)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

House Sparrow [sp] (Passer domesticus)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

European Greenfinch [sp] (Carduelis chloris)

European Goldfinch [sp] (Carduelis carduelis)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  43

Mallards

A very quick visit in the rain this morning, because the new video camera is due for delivery anytime after 7:30 a.m.

(update; it's just arrived ----------- but still raining)

A welcoming party of Mallards were waiting at the car park as I arrived. Three to begin with, and then more turned up.

A quick look for the Reed Warbler, and managed to glimpse him through the reeds, before setting off under the road bridge, and the north lake.

The pair of Mallards came running over when they saw me; how could I resist not feeding them?

On to the footbridge, and the Heron was sat fishing underneath. He soon left for a quick circuit round part of the lake, and then returned, once I'd left.

A Kingfisher flew past the island, and a couple of Common Terns were flying overhead.

Past some of the houses, and a couple of Mallard were sitting on the roof, admiring the view.

Along the edge of the river, another Heron was patiently stood in the rain.

On the metal fence, up by the weir, a female Mallard had perched herself there.

As I reached the weir, a female Mallard hurried past with three ducklings. The first I've seen this year.

She quickly took them off to the safety of bushes by the edge.

Only three. Maybe she's lost some already?

Past the pub, and the growing numbers of Starlings, over the road bridge, and back to the car park.

Full list of today's sightings

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Common Tern [sp] (Sterna hirundo)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Common Kingfisher [sp] (Alcedo atthis)

Sand Martin [sp] (Riparia riparia)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

Eurasian Reed Warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

European Greenfinch [sp] (Carduelis chloris)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  31

Two Reed, one Sedge and no eggs.

A pleasant change to walk round the lake in sunshine this morning, after this weeks rain.

I soon found the Reed Warbler amongst the reeds this morning,

churning out his catchy tune. He's still proving to be a bit camera shy though.

The car park area was full of the sounds of Blackcap, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Fantastic to hear so many birds singing in the morning.

The pair of Mallards met me under the road bridge, and over by the pub, the pair of Oystercatchers were feeding along with a group of Black-headed Gulls.

Up by the island, it was good to see a Kingfisher fly past the nest site, and land in the trees. Maybe they've not left the nest after all.

The Heron was in his usual place, and soon left as I got too close.

In the reed bed past the bandstand, the sound of another Reed Warbler. Difficult to see, but eventually he gave me a quick glimpse. That makes two so far.

Very little at the top end of the lake now, apart from a couple of Coots, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, a Cormorant drying his feathers on the boat, and a pair of Tufted Duck.

At the moment there are three pairs of Tufted Duck spread around the lake. Maybe they will nest here? If they do, now would be the time.

Round past the pub, and I was amused to see a Greylag Goose surrounded by Starlings.

Yes, little things amuse me at times. Must be the tablets; but it kind of reminded me of the Pied Piper.

Ok, I'll move on.

The south lake had one hungry Crow, who patiently waited for his apple, and a couple of Swallows were taking a much needed rest, perched up in a tree.

Close to the edge of the lake, a pair of Mute Swans were making all the right moves prior to some mating. The female suddenly changed her mind though, much to the annoyance of the male.

No further comment.

As I made my way down the path, towards the far end, I heard a scratchy sound coming from some bushes. A sound similar to a Reed Warbler, but coarser, with a few whistles thrown in. Had to be a Sedge Warbler; they have a tendency to call from bushes more than a Reed Warbler.

I stood searching with eyes and ears, and eventually managed a couple of glimpses as he moved through the bushes. Finally he briefly climbed a branch and sat long enough for me to see his creamy coloured eye stripe; but not long enough for a picture.

Another day then.

At the far end, a quick look to see if the Orchids have made any more progress through the earth, and then on to the bird pallet, and feed the Robin.

Up by the offices, I looked in on the nesting Mute Swans.

Unfortunately the three eggs that were there yesterday, have disappeared.

I imagine predated by something.

I've been told by a couple of people that they've seen mink around there, so maybe they are the culprits?

Finally I got back to the car park, and a Song Thrush gave me a perfect back view.

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Full list of today's sightings

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Buzzard [sp] (Buteo buteo)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Eurasian Oystercatcher [sp] (Haematopus ostralegus)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Common Tern [sp] (Sterna hirundo)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Common Kingfisher [sp] (Alcedo atthis)

British Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major anglicus)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

British Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos clarkei)

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

Eurasian Reed Warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla)

Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita)

Willow Warbler [sp] (Phylloscopus trochilus)

British Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus rosaceus)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

European Goldfinch [sp] (Carduelis carduelis)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  38

Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail

The story goes,  that the name Wheatear derives from the expression 'white arse', a perfect description of how this bird appears as it flies away.

But I did manage a few pictures before it did.

Another sunny morning, and after spending some time around the car park area with the singing birds; Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Wren and Blue Tits, I eventually made my way round the north lake.

A Kingfisher was in the bushes, by his nest, and a Heron was looking rather splendid in the early sunlight.

He didn't stay for too long though, and was soon airborne.

By now the time was getting on, and a few people were out jogging and dog walking.

I must make an effort to get up a bit earlier in future.

Top end of the north lake had the Mute Swans, content with their nest site, even if I have my reservations about where it is.

A Crow has a perfect spot however, on top of the pubs windmill structure; well away from people and dogs.

Onto the south lake, but today, no sign of yesterdays Redstart.

A small group of Greylag Geese were busily grazing, at the side of the footpath,

and one individual didn't want any other geese near him.

He spent a lot of time chasing the others away, if they dared get too close to him.

At the far end, a Crow was tormenting the pair of Magpies around their nest; much to their annoyance.

Past the rowing club, towards the houses, and by chance I decided to walk across the grass, rather than follow the footpath. I'm glad I did.

A fine looking Wheatear was standing, admiring the view, that the residents of the houses pay a lot of money for.

A couple of House Martins flew overhead, and circled back over the roofs of the houses. And as I watched them, I noticed a bird perched up there.

 A Yellow Wagtail.

Then a second one appeared.

I wondered why they were so high up, but once I'd looked at the pictures on the computer, I could see why.

 Flies. Lots of them, flying around the roof.

Eventually I made my way back to the car park, and one last look at the feeders.

As I reached my car, I looked up, to see a single Swallow fly overhead.

Another great morning.

Full list of today's sightings

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Little Grebe [sp] (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia 'feral')

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Common Kingfisher [sp] (Alcedo atthis)

Green Woodpecker [sp] (Picus viridis)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

British Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flavissima)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Northern Wheatear [sp] (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla)

Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita)

Willow Warbler [sp] (Phylloscopus trochilus)

British Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus rosaceus)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

British Jay (Garrulus glandarius rufitergum)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

British Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula pileata)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  38

Two pairs of Kingfishers, and a dawn chorus.

The birds were in fine voice this morning. Singing bursting from every bush and tree top. And the sun shone.

 Dunnock

I spent a good hour watching and filming the birds around the car park area; so much activity going on. I think a seat and a flask wouldn't go amiss here, so much to see.

I eventually made my way up to where the Kingfishers are, and spent more time just watching the activity and antics of this pair. The added bonus of sunlight certainly helped the cropped pictures.

The Grey Heron was in his usual spot, by the footpath;

but that means he constantly gets disturbed by the passing people and dogs.

A group of Goosander were swimming up at the top end of the lake, and as I passed the weir, another pair of Kingfishers, sitting in a tree, at the edge of the lake.

One had a fish and was bashing it on the branch, before eating it.

At the pub, a few Starlings, a couple of Pied Wagtails, and a group of grazing geese.

On towards the south lake, and a couple of singing Chiffchaff kept me company till I reached the far end.

A pair of Little Grebe, swimming in the usual spot, and a pair of Mute Swans were just enjoying the sun.

Down past the rowing club, around the houses, and then a quick look over on Cormorant island I found the Great Black-backed Gull, the nesting pair of Mute Swans, and the Oystercatchers.

Back at the car park, calling Chiffchaff, and an elusive Blackcap.

But a fly past from a Mallard, against the blue sky.

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Full list of today's sightings

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Goosander (Mergus merganser merganser)

Little Grebe [sp] (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Eurasian Oystercatcher [sp] (Haematopus ostralegus)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Common Kingfisher [sp] (Alcedo atthis)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

British Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos clarkei)

Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla)

Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

House Sparrow [sp] (Passer domesticus)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

European Greenfinch [sp] (Carduelis chloris)

European Goldfinch [sp] (Carduelis carduelis)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  38

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Last post for now, until I get back from Wales.