Changes

With one thing and another, it's probably three weeks since I last visited the reserve. Time enough for Nature to paint a different canvas, presumably using watercolours. The growth on the butterfly bank has been phenomenal and towards the northern end seems to consist mainly of Yellow Vetchling. However, about halway along, a single Corn Cockle flower was spotted, pointing its purple bloom skywards in defiance of all other vegetation. Through the Comfrey Triangle, Azure Damselflies flitted between grass stems and the occasional Blackcap could be heard. We arrived at the Far Hide in time to see a face off between two pairs of Great Crested Grebes. The victors, obviously buoyed by their success, then saw off a Coot. A Reed Bunting flitted past with a faecal sac in its beak, whilst, in the distance, a large bird heading north with a strong flapping motion of its wristy wings may have been an Osprey. Too far away to be sure. Retracing our steps to the Near Hide, I was struck by the Hendrix-ification of the bund, the Loosestrife flowers creating a purple haze, shimmering above the other vegetation. Several Reed Warblers hopped through the undergrowth immediately in front of the hide and a few Lapwing twisted and turned above the water. Twenty or so Common Terns were swooping over the lake, some of them juveniles with a white forehead. Swifts, too, were busy feeding on the countless flies dancing over the water surface. As we returned to the car park, the skies lightened as the sun put in an appearance. The butterfly bank resumed its eponymous function as we identified Ringlet, Small Skipper and Gatekeeper. It's great to go on holiday, but it's also good to be back.

Spring boost

Popping down to the reserve today, ostensibly to put up a copy of the Summer field meeting programme in each of the hides, I met a young family who are new permit holders. They had already been given a copy of the Friends flyer (thanks, Mal!), so you never know, we may be on the point of attaining our youngest recruit. She was in fine voice, bless her, and Mum and Dad were worried she would scare all the birds. However, Baby soon quietened down when a conversation started, giving me that "What the heck are you?" stare that wee bairns do so well. It won't be long before there will be many youngsters, of all sorts of bird species, filling the air with their clamouring cries, as another generation of Nature swells the population. I don't think one more voice will make that much difference!

On the wildlife front, there were a few Common Terns and House Martins to be seen, but they were just passing through. The pair of Garganey were still in evidence, this time on the southern side of the bund. Coltsfoot, Cuckooflower, and a species of Speedwell were in bloom, whilst the Cowslips just keep on giving. There were 5 species of butterfly on the wing: Peacock; Orange Tip; Speckled Wood; Brimstone and Comma. The Blackthorn blossom has just about gone over, but many trees are putting on leaves now, so the colour palette is having a fresh green boost. In between the rain and hail showers, there were some warm, sunny spells. No wonder everything is growing at such a prodigious rate.

Birdsong rang out from practically every bush. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Wrens were competing with Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Great Tits and Robins to see who could command the most attention. But only this 'Chiffy' was willing to pose for the camera.

Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita

Spring is definitely springing, so I hope you all have the opportunity to experience it in the coming weeks. Enjoy your wildlife watching!