With a burst of sunshine and a light breeze carrying some warmer air, spring seemed to have arrived.  Noticeably the birds were singing and groups of squirrels and rabbits frolicked in a field at Creeksea.  On the lake there was a pair of mallard that preened their feathers and then relaxed at the water’s edge.  The skylarks were singing on high and there were at least four separate birds, which is encouraging as the land they frequent is not now used in the same way as previously.  In two locations there were small flocks of long-tailed tits chattering and moving restlessly in the bushes.

Although the tide was rising and there was plenty of exposed mud the river yielded little in the way of waders and the brent geese, although present, were few in number.

Beside the dyke two reed buntings flew between the bushes and a male landed showing its summer plumage.  In winter the male reed bunting’s brown head feathers obscure its head pattern. However, in spring it loses its drabness and the dull feathers of winter revealing a buff-brown back with black streaks and its distinctive black and white head with a white stripe under the cheeks: his plumage gradually turns paler in summer.

The flowers have started blooming and alongside the railway track the profusion of blackthorn flowers had attracted many bees.  The first bumblebee of the year was also seen as well as a butterfly that flew past too quickly to identify.

The final sighting was of a kestrel hovering over the rough grass in the country park, dropped to catch its prey, and then flew off with nothing.

Next Meeting – Thursday 26^th April 2.00 meet in the marina car park

Birds: Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Great, Long-tailed  & Blue Tits, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Crow, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Redshank, Mallard, Little Grebe, Brent Geese, Cormorant, Black-headed & Herring Gulls.

Flowers: Daisy, Gorse, Red Deadnettle, Ground Ivy, Groundsel, Speedwell, Chickweed, Blackthorn,

Other: Mole hills, bumble bee, grey squirrel, rabbit

Diane Caulkett