The reserve is covered with small balls of fluff, FLEDGLINGS. Many of the small garden birds chicks have flown from the nest and are now perching near to their parents begging for food by flapping thier wings. As you wander up the path to the visitor centre the young greater spotted woodpecker can be heard, shouting for food from its hole in the tree. Away from the small birds, other larger birds have got chicks including the gulls of St Serfs and our now huge creche of greylag goslings.
The flood is full ducks, mainly tufted ducks which are covering the water in a speckled fashion. Some pochard and gadwall are also mixed in along with the occasional little or great crested grebe. A large flock of lapwing has built up, and at any sign of danger they have lifted to the air creating a beautiful spectacle. Our regular ross's goose is on the island feeding, as usual, with the small flock of barnacle geese.
This is a very exciting time to visit Vane farm, as there are wonderful birds and adorable chicks. Check out the blog next week and find out if our swallows (in the toilet and tunnel) have any chicks.
Guy Rogers (rspb-images.com)