Garganey 28/03/2021

A few images of the Drake Garganey that had been reported locally during the last week. Although it was a very windy and somewhat dull day the Garganey was showing quite well as it fed in the water. A lovely duck to catch up as we do not often get the chance to see one!

Restricted roving!

It will be great to be able to wander further afield and enjoy more of our countryside. I have enjoyed watching the birds in my garden but it will be a joy to finally be able to travel even though still fairly local to see what is out and about along canals, fields and lanes. A few of my highlights during lockdown. Hazel tree catkins were a welcome sight and sign of Spring!

Spring flowers looking a picture in the sunshine of late February. Tete-a -Tete have such a long flowering period bringing a welcome splash of colour.

One of three Robins I have enjoyed seeing in my garden sang almost constantly atop of a conifer for most of February and the early part of March. I reckon he now has a mate as he has stopped singing and being territorial and I expect busy with nest making.

With the icy temperatures in February and early March the flow of water in the pond waterfall partly froze as did the splashes of water from the fountain making for some interesting images. I am pleased to say the fish have survived the Winter and a visiting Heron!

I began to think that we would not have any frogspawn this year and then on the 11th of March it appeared! Since then there have been several clumps of spawn!

Bullfinches made a welcome return to the feeders in early March. Greenfinch have been regular visitors over the Winter, which is a welcome sign that maybe they are now recovering in numbers.

It was a nice surprise to see 5 Goosander on one of the pools at a local Arboretum.

At the Arboretum it was good to see blossom beginning to burst open! The images are of Purple Leaved Plum blossom.

Willow catkins and Snowdrops that were looking a treat in the sunshine.

A Spring blog post would not be complete without an image of Spring Lambs and their mother.

I doubt they are having to socially distance, just Mum wanting a well earned rest!

"Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil." - Reginald Heber