Not much to rave about
So at last, freedom was my portion after a gruelling couple of weeks of corporate incarceration. And right on cue, the weather had changed and today was gloriously sunny with a light breeze which felt good for some good old fashioned migration.
Jumping on the bike for the first time this year, I headed first to the Marshes where four flighty Redwing lingered along the avenue at the entrance to the riding stables. A Peregrine flapped purposefully to the east as I headed towards the rear paddocks. The paddocks were generally quiet, but for two Shelduck on the adjacent overflow, a single drake Teal and a couple of Grey Wagtail.
Heading northwards, the increase of Chiffchaff was notable with at least ten birds in full song, and my first Blackcap of the spring were too in song with a couple in bushes on the north-east side.
Most disturbing was the sight and sound of an almighty party on the northside where a group had erected a marquee in the grassy area along Track 13. The bass could be heard from the other side of the bridge. Serious partying that the local authorities had evidently turned a deaf ear to.
Incongruously, a Cetti's Warbler called from the thickets between the rave and the railway bridge.
Heading onto Lockwood via the River Lea, Meadow Pipit migration was once again evidenced with at least 25 noted moving through generally in twos and threes. A Peregrine was seen here too circling to the west. A lone Jackdaw flew east.
There were at least two Northern Wheatear present, both skittish males as they moved around from one bank to another. The Scaup remained where I was convinced I had an additional female to the resident pair, seen associating with a small raft of Tufted Duck.
A Kingfisher flew up the channel on the west side. Butterflies were out enjoying the warm conditions, where Brimstone, Peacock, Green-veined White, and Small Tortoiseshell were all on the wing.
Jumping on the bike for the first time this year, I headed first to the Marshes where four flighty Redwing lingered along the avenue at the entrance to the riding stables. A Peregrine flapped purposefully to the east as I headed towards the rear paddocks. The paddocks were generally quiet, but for two Shelduck on the adjacent overflow, a single drake Teal and a couple of Grey Wagtail.
Heading northwards, the increase of Chiffchaff was notable with at least ten birds in full song, and my first Blackcap of the spring were too in song with a couple in bushes on the north-east side.
Most disturbing was the sight and sound of an almighty party on the northside where a group had erected a marquee in the grassy area along Track 13. The bass could be heard from the other side of the bridge. Serious partying that the local authorities had evidently turned a deaf ear to.
Incongruously, a Cetti's Warbler called from the thickets between the rave and the railway bridge.
Heading onto Lockwood via the River Lea, Meadow Pipit migration was once again evidenced with at least 25 noted moving through generally in twos and threes. A Peregrine was seen here too circling to the west. A lone Jackdaw flew east.
There were at least two Northern Wheatear present, both skittish males as they moved around from one bank to another. The Scaup remained where I was convinced I had an additional female to the resident pair, seen associating with a small raft of Tufted Duck.
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