Soggy morning

But the birds were great.

I got to the lake early, as it was just getting light. No visit yesterday, because myself and Trevor had a day at Paxton Pits, searching for Nightingales.

(Some pictures on my Flickr page, and the other blog.)

A quick look for the Reed Warbler, and then off round the north lake. Rain was the order of the day; but some good birds too.

Lots of Swallows flying over the north lake, and the grass; and even more when I got to the south lake.

A Common Sandpiper flew across to the island, and just seemed to be sheltering from the rain.

Up at the top end of the lake, a group of Goldfinches flew up into the trees along the edge, and amongst them two Linnets. The first I've ever seen here.

Further along, a Sparrowhawk flew to the trees, stayed briefly, and was off again.

The river is quite swollen now, and the weir is flowing with some force.

Two levels of the steps are completely submerged now, and if this rain continues I can see this area flooding, making it difficult to get round this part.

In front of the pub I counted four Pied Wagtails amongst the Starlings, and then the pair of Yellow Wagtails flew in.

Good to compare them side by side.

A group of Swallows had taken a rest in one of the trees that edge the lake.

Onto the south lake, and as mentioned earlier, hundreds of Swallows were skimming the water. The reeds were bursting with the sound of Sedge Warblers, and one even gave me a quick glimpse, before hiding again.

At the far end, more Swallows over the water, and above the trees on the island, at least 50 House Martins in a feeding frenzy.

The rowing club were out in force by the time I began my way back towards the car park, and by the houses, a Yellow Wagtail.

 May have been one come over from the pub.

On the island the Oystercatchers were in fine voice, and back by the car park area, the Reed Warbler was still calling.

It's a wonder he doesn't get a sore throat.

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)

Eurasian Sparrowhawk [sp] (Accipiter nisus)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Eurasian Oystercatcher [sp] (Haematopus ostralegus)

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

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

Common Tern [sp] (Sterna hirundo)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Sand Martin [sp] (Riparia riparia)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

British Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flavissima)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

Eurasian Reed Warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla)

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)

Eurasian Jackdaw [sp] (Corvus monedula)

Rook [sp] (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

European Goldfinch [sp] (Carduelis carduelis)

Common Linnet [sp] (Acanthis cannabina)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  41

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To Peter, who just sent me a message via my website; my reply keeps getting bounced back.

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

Yellow Wagtail

Quick, early visit again; still waiting for parcels.

Very dull and dark, with constant drizzly rain; not ideal for pictures.

Managed a quick glimpse of the Reed Warbler this morning, and then made my way round the north lake.

The Mallards appear like magic these days, and once fed, I can carry on my way.

Lots of singing warblers this morning, but I've still not found any new arrivals yet.

The Common Terns continue to swoop down over the water, and it's getting close to the time when Black Terns arrived last year for a couple of days. No sign yet though.

Something that made me smile this morning, was a pair of Mallards on a large puddle.

The second biggest lake in Milton Keynes, and they favour a puddle.

 Ain't birds great!

Up by the pub, a few Starlings probing the soggy grass, along with a few Black-headed Gulls, and as I made my way under the road bridge, the two Mallards found me again. Cheeky pair.

I managed to find the calling Sedge Warbler in his now usual spot,  amongst the brambles. A fleeting few glimpses though, as he moves about a lot, and seems to keep very low.

At the far end, a couple of Little Grebes, and some Tufted Duck, and near the bird pallets, a few young bunnies.

Finally, as I got to the rowing club, the pair of Yellow Wagtails were about, with a couple of Pied Wagtails.

Very wary though, and not easy to get close to for pictures.

Back at the car park area, a couple of Greenfinches on the feeders, and the very noisy Reed Warbler still calling.

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)

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)

Green Woodpecker [sp] (Picus viridis)

British Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major anglicus)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

British Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flavissima)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Dunnock (Prunella modularis occidentalis)

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 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)

House Sparrow [sp] (Passer domesticus)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

European Greenfinch [sp] (Carduelis chloris)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  41

Reed Warbler

Another wet and windy morning.

After topping up the feeders, and feeding the gang around the car park, I heard the distinct sound of a Reed Warbler, coming from the reeds.

After much searching, I finally caught a glimpse of him. First one this year.

On round the north lake, and the Mallard and new girlfriend were waiting.

Across the lake, in front of the pub, the pair of Oystercatchers were with a small flock of Starlings, and a couple of Black-headed Gulls.

Skimming over the water were a number of Swallows, with a few Sand Martins

and one or two House Martins. I bet they'd wished they were still in Africa, with this relentless wind and rain.

The sound of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers filled the air; they seemed to be in every tree and bush.

I checked all the reed beds for more Reed Warblers or Sedge Warblers, but so far, no luck.

Four Common Terns were flying around,

and plenty of Canada Geese grazing on the grassy banks.

A brief stop under the road bridge to watch the Swallows,

and then on round the south lake.

My apple wasn't that pleasant; even the Crow decided to leave it. It must have been bad.

More Swallows and Martins were skimming over the water, and as I reached the far end, I checked in the adjacent field, under the railway line, to see what was about there.

A group of Greylag Geese were enjoying the tender shoots of the new crops, and flying above them, four Skylarks.

The Little Grebes were in their usual place, and after feeding the Robin, I made my way down by the rowing club.

I stopped again to admire the aerial acrobatics of the Swallows and Martins, and saw a Yellow Wagtail on one of the boat jetties.

A last check of the reed bed back at the car park, but no sign or sound, from the new arrival.

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)

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)

British Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major anglicus)

Sky Lark [sp] (Alauda arvensis)

Sand Martin [sp] (Riparia riparia)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin [sp] (Delichon urbicum)

Yellow Wagtail [sp] (Motacilla flava)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

British Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos clarkei)

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)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

Common Starling [sp] (Sturnus vulgaris)

European Greenfinch [sp] (Carduelis chloris)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  38

Swallows, Yellow Wagtails and Grebes that fight

A frosty morning, wisps of mist over the lake, and beautiful sunshine.

Perfect return after a weekend away from here.

The frost weighed the heads of the Cowslips down,

but the birds were singing with their heads held high.

Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Robin, Blackbird; and the biggest voice of all belonged to the tiny Wren.

 A powerhouse of a vocalist, considering his size.

Round the north lake, and over by the pub, the pair of Oystercatchers were with a group of geese; and the Lesser Black-backed Gull was in his usual spot, on the boat jetty. Sat on one of the buoys, was a Common Tern.

Up by the Kingfishers nest, and a possible disaster.

Two Magpies were hanging around the nest site, and no sign of the Kingfishers.

My guess is they've abandoned the site, which would be a great shame.

Further round the lake, and skimming over the water, were at least a dozen Sand Martins, joined by half a dozen Swallows.

Up by the weir, I met up with Graemme, and he joined me walking round the rest of the lake.

At the pub, a pair of Yellow Wagtails were foraging in the grass,

along with a few Pied Wagtails.

One of the Oystercatchers came in for a landing at the boat jetty,

and a group of Swallows were taking a deserved rest on the roof of the rowing club.

A long flight from Africa.

We made our way towards the south lake, and the sound of Chiffchaff seemed to be everywhere.

Towards the far end of the lake we finally caught up with a couple, and managed some pictures.

Past the offices, and a quick look in the bushes opposite found soon found a calling Willow Warbler.

As we made our way towards the rowing club, the sound of angry Great Crested Grebes.

Two males, I'm guessing, arguing over territory.

I managed to catch a small bit on video; one male trying unsuccessfully to drown the other. Nature can seem cruel at times.

Eventually we were back at the car park. A quick check on the feeders; not busy, and then time to go.

An enjoyable first day back, after chasing Ring Ouzels at Ivinghoe Beacon over the weekend.

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)

Little Egret [sp] (Egretta garzetta)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Eurasian Oystercatcher [sp] (Haematopus ostralegus)

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

Common Tern [sp] (Sterna hirundo)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Sand Martin [sp] (Riparia riparia)

Barn Swallow [sp] (Hirundo rustica)

Yellow Wagtail [sp] (Motacilla flava)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

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)

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)

House Sparrow [sp] (Passer domesticus)

British Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs gengleri)

Reed Bunting [sp] (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Total species  37

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