Last Trip Before Lockdown

The weekend was a little different, with the visitor centre already shut, so Mrs WJ & I left the big lens behind and walked around the bulk of the trails with only the "little" kit for company.  Now of course none of us can get anywhere near the reserve - the gates are shut, the hides are locked and we're all banned from leaving the sofa.  I thought by now everyone would be missing the wildlife, so here you are, a smorgasbord of stuff from the weekend's wanderings.

Marsh Harriers were cruising the reedbeds

and the crows were poking around in front of the hide, looking extra glossy in the sunshine

Many of the bushes along the paths are filling up with incoming regulars, but the friendly robin was the only one willing to come close enough for the hardware I had with me

The scrapes still had a fair few ducks around - including this handsome Shoveller

and the very smart Shelduck

There are still Wigeon around too

Cormorants flying overhead were showing off their wonderful breeding plumage

Most of the noise is coming from the Black Headed Gulls of course

They're getting all loved up as we move towards their breeding season

Gadwall are pairing up too, the males chasing off the competition

Even the Coot are showing well for a change

The sunny weather had brought the Adders out to bask

Often pancaking themselves to get as much sunshine as possible

And why?  Because they need to get fertile ready for the ladies - and it seems fitting to finish with exactly that - the girls are starting to appear!