I was out early doors this morning and a change in the weather made all the difference with Chiffchaff, Wren, Reed and Sedge Warbler all in good voice, and their young making an appearance.
A pair of Brown Hare were eyed along the lane and a Common Buzzard lingered whilst hunting the meadows and flushed several of the released hunting stock.
Out on the River Weaver were Common Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall and Canada Goose each enjoying the morning sunshine like myself.
A female Northern Shoveler hid her ducklings in the reeds for safety from prying eyes.
A couple of Northern Lapwing chicks have managed successfully to avoid the gull and crow patrols. The youngsters are growing well and were joined by a galoshes wearing Avocet chick for moral support.
The Avocet parents were busy driving away Lesser Black-backed Gull and Common Buzzard away from the area.
c300 Common Swift were hawking low over the bank whizzing past at head height putting on a great display.
The ‘phalarope pool’ was again quiet with just the one Black-tailed Godwit present. Yet more Reed and Sedge Warbler were along Lordship Lane with some busy feeding their young.
A trespassing Common Buzzard ran the gauntlet of a very aggressive Avocet father or mother.
On No.6 tank were 27 Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 60 Common Shelduck and several Gadwall have been joined by a few Eurasian Teal which took to the air as a Peregrine passed over. The Black-tailed Godwit flock from yesterday were still present with c350 birds.
Observer: Paul Ralston (images 1-7 & 12), JS & WSM (image 8-11 & 13-17).
