Birding and other distractions

A follow-up visit to the marsh, arriving in the afternoon. Weather was similar to that on the previous occasion, sunny though windy. An excellent view of a Water Vole was a nice start, with nearby an agitated Lesser Whitethroat in the hedge. Ivy Fleet was quiet this time, though a Hobby flew over and a Cuckoo was heard. Water was being pumped onto the marsh, probably from the reservoir, and is helping to maintain the flooded areas which are proving attractive to waders and ducks. A summer plumage Cattle Egret was feeding in a distant fleet, while much closer an attractive Greenshank was unexpected at this late stage. Water Vole Pumping water onto the marsh Male Chaffinch

A sunny day though with a brisk NE wind. I parked near Binney Road and walked out towards the marsh. A male Yellow Wagtail showed well in the wheat field just beyond the farm. On reaching the seawall I headed in the direction of Stoke Lagoon. The lagoon proved disappointing though in the flooded marsh beyond the various ducks included a drake Garganey, and four each of Lapwing and Redshank may well have been breeding in the area. A Hobby was also seen albeit distant. Further on Ivy Fleet had singing Reed Warblers while a pair of Marsh Harrier were on Binney Marsh. However, the undoubted bird of the day was a Great Reed Warbler that I heard singing in Ivy Fleet. It frequently sang though try as I might I couldn't see it, even though it was quite close at times. The windy conditions obviously didn't help, probably causing the bird to sing lower in the reeds. Garganey Yellow Wagtail Ivy Fleet  Mallard and ducklings 

A late start today, arriving on site at midday. T he sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm. No sooner after parking the car than I could hear a singing Firecrest. The bird was eventually seen, though high up in the trees. At least four other Firecrest were heard during the course of the visit. Walking along the forest ride I saw a Goshawk circling above the tree tops several hundred metres away.  The bird never came closer though was watched for about a minute before it disappeared. A second, closer Goshawk called from within the forest, very likely the mate of the original bird. Arriving at BB a Duke of Burgundy was found without difficulty. At least four individuals were eventually seen. A good orchid display, especially Lady Orchid, though also some Early Spotted. I didn't realise quite how scarce Lady Orchid is in UK. On the way back a singing Tree Pipit was a nice find in an area previously coppiced. The bird was singing constantly though remained out of view. A...

An afternoon visit in quite nice weather. Four Adders were found in TF, the usual juvenile, a male, and two females. Of the latter, an individual at the north end was probably new for the year. PV was disappointing for reptiles until at the lower end (nearest SB) I found an impressive male, which I then watched for about 20 minutes. The sunshine brought out some butterflies, including a Green-veined White and a couple of Orange Tip. It clouded over for a short period enabling a close approach to a male Orange Tip. Then as the sun gradually reappeared the butterfly opened it's wings, giving a welcome opportunity for some close pictures. Female Adder in TF Male in TF Probable new female in TF Male Adder in PV As above Green-veined White  Orange Tip As above

My first visit to the local patch since 9th April.  The rains since then have inevitably led to lush growth of vegetation. PV was a disappointment with just the young female Adder being seen again. TF was better, finding four snakes. One was a resplendent male at the far end, previously seen a couple of times before sloughing. However, a female nearby was probably new for the year. The other two were under refugia, a small sub-adult male that didn't hang around, the other one of the juveniles again. TF also had nine Slow-worms, all under refugia, including four together. On the walk back a pair of Bullfinch were found, the male quietly singing from his hidden location. Next to RCP, starting at RD with two each of Adder and Slow-worm there. The snakes were together under roof felt, the female a very large individual. A fair amount of habitat management has been carried out at CL, though the southern half has not been done, leaving it to next year I expect. Still no Adders to be foun...