A local update.

Just over a month since my last post on my blog and what a change there has been in my garden and also seen locally on my short daily walk that is in line with the government guidelines to 'stay local' and 'use open spaces near to your home where possible'.
I usually see several joggers, cyclists and people out walking like myself for their daily exercise.
Several tree species are now leafing up rapidly and on my walks I have watched Magnolia buds growing and finally bursting in to bloom. They have put on some splendid displays in gardens, it is a pity the flowers are so short-lived. The weather has been glorious for a number of days bar the odd blip.

I have Great and Coal Tit's nesting in my garden and a Dunnock aka as a Hedge Sparrow nesting in a hedge which is apt!
The Great Tits have taken up residence in a Swift nesting box that was only put in place last Autumn. Interesting times ahead if Swifts decide to move in when they return.

 

The Coal Tits have been very active in the garden and have at times been harassed by Blue Tits. It had looked as though they would desert their  nest

box but they appear to have settled down now and are regularly seen to be getting on with nesting.

I was lucky to spot a pair of Robins in my garden during the first week of April and witness a food pass! No photo as it happened too quickly!

 

Bullfinches have returned to the feeders. I have had 2 males and a female on and around the feeders. Unusually this last week I have seen a male Bullfinch feeding on the ground under a Black sunflower feeder. I have not noted this behaviour with Bullfinches before.

 

There seems to be an abundance of Hover flies this Spring no doubt due to the warm temperatures we have been experiencing.

Me and my shadow.

 

Common Buzzards have been seen and heard regularly over the garden, this one was low enough for a half decent photo. ;-)

A flyover Raven was noted this morning over my garden and later on in the morning whilst on my daily 'short' walk a Common Buzzard was seen being harassed by a Raven! The same Raven as seen earlier maybe?

 

Woodpigeons that visit are now reducing in numbers in my garden for the  crumbled scones and seed I normally put out daily for the 'bigger' birds!

Carrion Crows and Magpies are still regular visitors as are Jackdaws most   days as they fly regularly over the garden and spot the food.                          

 

A Heron has been sighted on several occasions by the fish pond as it stands

motionless, waiting and looking for an opportunity to catch a fish and probably hoping it hasn't been spotted...well it has!!!! Toads have been quite vocal recently so maybe they are also attracting  the garden to the Heron.

 

 

A Dunnock enjoyed a drink from the pond and no doubt has a bath when no one is watching!

 

 

Holly Blue, Peacock, Comma and Orange-tip butterflies have been as always a joy to see in and around the garden.

 

I

 

A Dark-edged bee fly was interesting to see as it rested on a buddleia leaf! A couple of days later I sighted 2 in the garden.

 

 

 A few days later this Grey Mining Bee arrived in the garden for a rest.

 

That concludes the update for the last few weeks.

 

I will end with a photo I took of a banner that is draped across the doors of our local Primary School.

I am looking forward to the doors being opened once again for pupils and staff.