Nice morning for my Breeding Bird Survey

All things bright and beautiful

 

This morning I was out bright and early (and cold and windy) for the first stint of my Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). It was pretty uneventful - I wasn't chewed by a horse and I met the man who used to have this stuff on his gate.

But surprisingly, the best bird was the first one I heard as I entered my square - a singing redpoll! I did hear one calling on another BBS visit a couple of years ago, so I wonder if it warrants more investigation. That would probably be quite a good breeding record in Cambridgeshire these days...

I also found three singing Lesser Whitethroats in the final three sections I was surveying, which was good, though I'm guessing they may not stick around for my next visit in a month's time.

Then, at lunchtime I found a male Redstart! A real blink-and-you'll-miss-it job. I saw it once and it vanished. That was annoying, but the Greenland Wheatears I saw a couple of minutes later helped make up for it.

photo taken with iPhone 4S

Waresley Wood in summer

photos taken with Canon EOS 30D, EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

C'mon, spring

photos taken with Canon Powershot A640

Waresley Wood

Good job this morning's thick fog cleared up, because I had a day off work. I ended up at Waresley Wood for a wander around. Things got off to a bad start when I realised the memory card from my big camera wasn't where it should have been... it was at home, still in the card reader.

It didn't matter too much, as there was plenty to enjoy: loads of fresh, bright green leaves, Bluebells and Lady's Smock in bloom; bee-flies and bumblebees buzzing; Orange-tip and Peacock butterflies flitting about; Bullfinches peeping, Robins singing and Sparrowhawks causing havoc.

Migrants were conspicuous by their absence. I'd at least expected Blackcaps to be singing, but heard only a couple of Chiffchaffs. Where are they all?

photos taken with Canon Powershot A640

Waresley Wood

After doing the Breeding Bird Survey nearby, I fancied a return visit to Waresley Wood.

This is Brownes' Piece, along the entrance track. I had Marbled Whites in mind but none were on show in the strong breeze.

Inside the wood, Ringlets were numerous

Essex Skippers

hoverfly sp.

Comma

photos taken with Canon EOS 30D + EF 300mm f/4L IS USM or Canon Powershot A640