Mother Duck looks after her young

 I couldn't find the ducklings across the road this morning. I walked to the other pond and nothing. When I came back I still couldn't find them. I started to the other pond and walking towards me....... 

Audley End

I apologise for the lack of posts this year. I haven't really done that much! The fact that the local wildlife is having young means I am enjoying just going for a walk but today I met up with my friends Rebecca and Stuart at Audley End. They were late but to be honest it is more noteworthy if they were on time LOL. 

Audley is a rather grand house in North West Essex which is in Saffron Walden, apparently the best place to live in the country according to a recent survey. They are always coming out with these stupid surveys. It is nice and all that but in the whole country? mmmm 

It was a lovely day and I got to see my first Swallows and House Martins in the UK. If I am honest I much prefer visiting mid week as it is much quieter. The gardens are really starting to look nice

Now that Audey is open mid week I'll have to make an effort to pop in once a month.

Catching up - the Reed Warblers are back

I didn't take any photos on my last day in Italy but I had a lovely time.

I haven't done much this week just walking and catching up on the local wildlife.

There are butterflies about. I have seen all the usuals here except a Red Admiral. 

Peacock

These two mallards were having a right barney! 

It was VERY exciting to find we have ducklings! There are two groups, 8 at New Hall and 12/13 at Coalport. I keep expecting to find them gone or numbers reduced but so far they are doing ok!  

I'm aware of a Moorhen nest so hopefully there will be chicks soon. I know the Little Grebes are at New Hall and I THINK the Canada Geese have a nest at New Hall.

Still no foals. I am going to wander to the other common tomorrow to look there.

Quack Quack! 

Today I wandered past the Reed Bed and there was a Reed Warbler calling! YAY