Local wildlife - 24/04/26

So to my knowledge there are 3 clutches of Ducklings.

There are 4 at the Coalport pond. The far end of the pond abuts to some flats private garden. There was a young woman sitting there this morning and as I haven't seen the mother for days I asked if she had seen her. She told me she hadn't seen it either. Apparently Swan Rescue saying the ducklings are old enough to survive. Some years ago I mentioned that the female at the split pond was found dead and the ducklings vanished and that I thought that a Heron had done it she confirmed it and that Swan Rescue had taken the ducklings into care.

At New Hall there are 2 broods one of 11 and the other I'm not sure maybe 10. A few days ago one of the Canada Geese just attached a duckling and drowned it ! Was horrible to watch and not be able to do a thing. Oh there are a few moorhen chicks I'm ot certain if 1 or 2 or clutches. 

As far as I can tell just the one foal.

New Hall ducklings

Hard to be a foal.

The Coalport ducklings this morning. You can see they are doing ok! 

Lytes Cary

The sun was shining, the forecast was good so I headed to Lytes Cary a small medieval manor house and garden with estate walks.

I spent my day wandering enjoying the wildlife (skylarks singing), the flowers and my book. I've really not tried to pack stuff in. At one point I was going to go to Exeter Cathedral but I've just relaxed. 

Forde Abbey

I've had a lazy day visiting Forde Abbey, a former Cistercian Abbey turned private home. I just pootled among the gardens and read and relaxed. A few Swallows about and a Tree creeper but the large pond/small lake was empty! Bird wise the Robin that sa next to my bench and sang at me was the highlight.