Lockdown
We're now in lockdown. The Covid-19 virus has now spread onto our shores and the signs are that it will continue to strengthen its grip over the subsequent weeks and maybe months.
These are deeply concerning times. The numbers of recorded infections and deaths appears to be growing exponentially with Italy and Spain bearing the brunt of the rising infection rates.
While some continue to flout the guidance on the measures set out by the government to suppress the infection rate, it does appear that the majority of people are conforming to this new way of life. It is always heartening to acknowledge the good in humanity with many altruistic and benevolent acts in support of those that are struggling through these unprecedented times.
Living day by day is become a real challenge for all of us. Remaining housebound for large portions of the week is something I'm not used to. Work projects have all been placed on hold and the risk of being furloughed has now crept into the inevitable.
Yet wildlife will remain in the foreground as my mechanism for remaining active and pushing away the monotony that isolation brings.
Gazing from my balcony into the sky has not revealed a great deal but even a flyby Stock Dove can provoke feelings of joy.
The countryside that surrounds the village has now become an area of refuge. With very few people around, it is possible to escape. So I take my bins and camera, and cycle out into the arable where there are things to see. There is also a very small lake at Radwell but the surrounding woodland looks great for common birds. It's also very pictureesque.
Corn Bunting are here in good numbers, and they are now in full song. Six were seen in one location on a cool evening, but whatever the weather, there jangling refrain can heard across the landscape.
Yellowhammer are also present here and a single Grey Partridge was seen on the 26th. On the 27th, at least 200 Fieldfare were present on the arable slopes. My first male Blackcap of the year was seen flying along a defunct hedgerow on the 30th.
A single Chiffchaff has been regularly singing in Radwell village. A male Blackcap was present by the lake on the 31st. A strange call had me thinking LSW so will definitely be checking that out in the next few days. Radwell also hosted Nutchatch and Treecreeper.
Red Kite are plentiful here as they are in many parts of the southeast now. I took time to look at them properly for a change and they are immaculate birds.
The surrounding area looks great for migrant passerines so I look forward to exploring over the next few weeks.
These are deeply concerning times. The numbers of recorded infections and deaths appears to be growing exponentially with Italy and Spain bearing the brunt of the rising infection rates.
While some continue to flout the guidance on the measures set out by the government to suppress the infection rate, it does appear that the majority of people are conforming to this new way of life. It is always heartening to acknowledge the good in humanity with many altruistic and benevolent acts in support of those that are struggling through these unprecedented times.
Living day by day is become a real challenge for all of us. Remaining housebound for large portions of the week is something I'm not used to. Work projects have all been placed on hold and the risk of being furloughed has now crept into the inevitable.
Yet wildlife will remain in the foreground as my mechanism for remaining active and pushing away the monotony that isolation brings.
Gazing from my balcony into the sky has not revealed a great deal but even a flyby Stock Dove can provoke feelings of joy.
The countryside that surrounds the village has now become an area of refuge. With very few people around, it is possible to escape. So I take my bins and camera, and cycle out into the arable where there are things to see. There is also a very small lake at Radwell but the surrounding woodland looks great for common birds. It's also very pictureesque.
Corn Bunting are here in good numbers, and they are now in full song. Six were seen in one location on a cool evening, but whatever the weather, there jangling refrain can heard across the landscape.
A single Chiffchaff has been regularly singing in Radwell village. A male Blackcap was present by the lake on the 31st. A strange call had me thinking LSW so will definitely be checking that out in the next few days. Radwell also hosted Nutchatch and Treecreeper.
Red Kite are plentiful here as they are in many parts of the southeast now. I took time to look at them properly for a change and they are immaculate birds.
I'm really enjoying housebound birding.
ReplyDeleteKeep well.
I've must give this noc-migging a go. You too JL!
Delete