A sunny day on the 8th so I had a quick wander around at Brake Mill Pool. Goosander have been seen several times recently in varying numbers on the pool, also a couple of Little Grebe. Two male Tufted Duck looked a delight in the sunshine, no females about though, no doubt females will be in evidence soon. Large numbers of Black-headed Gulls have congregated on the water and in surrounding fields, also Corvids and Woodpigeons in good numbers seen in the fields.
A sad sight was realising what the 3 Cygnets had been gathered together for, it was a piece of plastic! I am not sure whether they were playing with the plastic or trying to eat it! Fortunately they left it alone when a couple came along and stopped to talk to me, no doubt the Cygnets thought they had food for them. Nothing could be done to retrieve the piece/bag of plastic as it had seemingly sunk in the water, no doubt to resurface in the future time and time again! The Cygnets will be getting the old 'heave ho' from their parents as the breeding season nears so hopefully they will find water devoid of any plastics!
Brake Mill Pool....16th.
A foggy morning as the photo of the sheep will testify. Plenty of Gulls were on the water, Mallards kept a low profile and 9 Goosanders were seen at the far end of the pool. A Kestrel gave me the run around as it flew further and further along a telephone wire as we walked up the bridleway! At the end of the circular walk the sun appeared....oh well it was still an enjoyable walk albeit it being foggy, cold and muddy!
Bunkers Hill Wood....14th.
Dodging the humongous puddles along this bridleway seems to be the norm this winter, however the rainbow was a pleasing sight and took my mind off the puddles!
Kestrel, Buzzard x2, Coal, Great & Blue Tit, Robin, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Mistle Thrush x2 and a delightful Treecreeper were seen on what is always a pleasant walk.
Mary Stevens Park....15th
A lovely sunny day had me visiting a local park for fresh air and exercise, well I walked the lake twice. :-) Goosander x 5, a pair of Tufted Duck , Canada Geese, Moorhen, Coot, Muscovy Duck and a large number of Black-headed Gulls on the water. They were all being well fed by the park visitors!
Dowles Brook....17th
A long overdue visit to Dowles Brook on a relatively warm (ish) day was enjoyed though a sighting of Dipper, Hawfinch and L S Woodpecker would have been a real treat but not to be today! However Great and Blue Tit were seen frequently on the walk, especially so Blue Tits! Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Treecreeper, Buzzard and Raven x2 were still a delight to see.
A sunny afternoon called for a walk and well worthwhile it was too! Walking by paddocks and arable land makes a nice change from woodlands. I was more than pleased that I chose this walk . Skylarks were singing beautifully and visible at times, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Robin were feeding in the hedgerows, a Yellowhammer sang from the top of a tree, a 'pale form' Buzzard was heard and seen often but the undoubted highlights were the Little Owl that was perched in a tree and enjoying the sunshine and a Stonechat pair that were checking me out as I checked them out! Magic!! A day like today once a week would suit me fine!
