Pittswood Birds

Yet another bright sunny day, although an easterly wind made it a touch chilly, out of it the temperature felt warm enough. The cold wind is set to strenghthen over the next few day's, but the easterly direction might bring in an interesting migrant bird.

Back on my patch this afternoon, the wet woods had lost it's spell somewhat, the cool wind had lessened the appertite of the birds to sing, and just a GOLDREST, and a few SISKIN were were the most interesting birds recorded. Over at the lake I could hear the CANADA GEESE cackling, and as I approached I regretfully let my mind wonder, and found myself startled by two ducks flapping across the lake, which had been lurking by the waters edge, under the tree overhang. I manged to get my bins on them as they flew off, and saw that they were a pair GOOSANDER! That will teach me, I needn't have flushed them at all, if I was paying attention, still, a great species to find here, even if this is the fourth record this month. I went and checked the garden feeders at the nearby house, and found some more Siskin, they will be leaving in the next few weeks, and will be getting hard to add to the day lists, the latest date I have recorded them is the 13th Apr. that was last year.

A Comma butterfly was seen and photographed before I left the lakes, and walking over to migrant alley, via the ex-tree nursery a KESTREL flew across my path, and another butterfly species gave me a photographic opportunity, whilst sunning itself on a piece of plastic sacking - a Peacock.

At Migrant Alley, all was quiet, and the cold wind chilled me as i sat on the exposed horse jump. Just a few STOCK DOVES were seen, and two singing SKYLARKS flew above me. Again no winter thrushes were seen, but as yesterday I did see 8 or so early on as I walked into work. The latest dates for Fieldfare and Redwing are the 13th and 20th of Apr. respectively, but most years they have gone in the first week of that month.

Above is the Peacock Butterfly seen in the ex-tree nursery,and below the Comma. Both these butterflies look to be ones that have overwintered as adults. They look a little worn. ( aint that right greenie?)

Below is the Female Kestrel that flew overhead