Local update

Well the Reed Warblers are back, I've seen my first Swallow and a first on my walk I heard a Cetti's Warbler!!!

The Coalport ducklings are still ok ... And at New Hall...

Local wildlife catchup

Its been a quiet winter. Whereas last year we had a nice variety of ducks this year nothing other than the white duck. 

Bird wise Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps are back but so far I've not heard a reed warbler. I'm starting to wander past the reedbeds in hope

There are butterflies about but I've yet to see a Red admiral.

There are two foals. One seems quite big so I assume was born early and has just appeared. The other is a cutie!

We have ducklings at the Coalport pond. I'm not sure how many she had originally but there are 4 now and they've been there at least a week.

For Wessex Reiver

can you see me? 😂 

 Sorry I've not been anywhere and not taken a camera. We have a foal but he's quite old. I assume moved here from elsewhere.

I've also just discovered we have ducklings on the Coalport pond. They are tucked under mum. I've no idea how many and how long as I wasn't watching closely.

We've had a few butterflies intermittently. Hopefully given a warmer week I'll see more. I'll have to take the camera out.

I'll have to check the reedbeds I guess for Reed Warbler, I saw a Reed Bunting today.

Edit... The white duck has returned. He? flew in with a female.

Rye Meads

The weather was forecast to be a little better today so this morning I was minded to go somewhere. The reminder that it is half term complicated this and that everywhere is a soaked so I wandered to Rye Meads for the first tine in absolutely AGES! 

Water levels were high and it was quiet. A few long tail flocks and a flock of redwings were about. Other than that it was the usual suspects. I had hopes there would be lots at the Gadwall hide and indeed there were hundreds of Lapwings but all were distant.

Still it was a nice wander and really should go more often.

Female and Male Pochard

A lot of distant Lapwings.

No Kingfishers at the Kingfisher hide.

I do think the Tufted Duck is a rather dappy chappy.

Thaxted and what's happening.

On Sunday we had some sun and this fox decided to enjoy the sun.

The white duck has been very hit and miss. I assume he's hanging around with a bunch of Mallards who move around. Yesterday there were over Canada Geese on the New Hall pond and one Greylag. I think it is only the second I've seen there.

The council have put gates across the bridlepath to stop the foals wandering.

Not sure how this happened...

An hour later they were back on the common. I think they managed to walk through the bushes/trees.

I had to pop to Stortford to pick up a parcel so I drove to Thaxted for the first time in ages.

The windmill is being restored