Back on the Bike................12-5-2010

Back to some local birding after a couple of weeks in Turkey, will post a report here when I get the photos sorted.

Can't get over how cold it is for nearly mid May, cycled to Holywell early afternoon checked a couple of ponds in the hope of some early Damselflies ,guess its still too cold ,thought I had two Speckled Wood but by the time I stopped they had gone, first House Martins of the year but still not seen a Swift , Blackcaps,Willow Warblers, etc singing everywhere, first Orange Tips , Lapwing with young, and a family of Long Tailed Tit in the Dene the young all lined up waiting to be fed. Bluebells looking spectacular , as well as lots of other flowers what a difference a couple of weeks makes.

Tree Sparrow at a location not noted before

Whitethroat and Grasshopper.........Friday 23 rd |April

Friday was warm and sunny early on so I cycled to Holywell ,lots of Willow Warblers & Chiffs only one Wheatear and the odd Swallow over ,first Whitethroat of the year for me at Holywell, and Grasshopper Warbler , F Goosander still around no sign of GCG, mid afternoon the 6 0r so Swallows increased to over 60 Swallows ,Sand martins and a couple of House Martins again my first of the year,the flooded field is drying out fast and I have yet to see anything other here than Oystercatcher or Redshank, there was 80 or so gulls using the pool so it will dry out even sooner,although they will also help to make it larger.

The weather changed sharply late afternoon and turned cold with a slight mist.

This Whitethroat in exactly the same place as last year


If you do happen to see Grasshopper Warbler this is usually the best view you get
In full reel........................for some superb photos of Grasshopper Warbler check out these at JM 's blog. http://birdingsometimes.blogspot.com/2010/04/punkbird.html

http://birdingsometimes.blogspot.com/2010/04/reel-deal.html