After a rather foggy start, it has turned into a beautiful day here on the brooks. Having been stuck inside in front of a computer all morning, I was determined to get out for some fresh air at lunchtime and went for a short stroll on the heathland trail.
The wooded edge of the heath is busy with birdsong; feisty wrens, wistful robins, sneezing marsh tits and perhaps my favourite songster of them all the blackcap. Sometimes known as ‘king of the warblers’ this smart little fellow sings a wonderful tune. Every year I think I’ve got to grips with the songs of the warblers, but then they disappear off for six months or more, so it is always a challenge when they return. Not only was it lovely to see and hear him, but I also got to feel very pleased with myself for recognising his song!
This blackcap doesn’t have a black cap! It’s the female, whose cap is a lovely conker-brown colour instead. Thanks to volunteer Chris for the splendid photo.
Rustling in the undergrowth was a rather cute bank vole and several bright yellow brimstone butterflies raced by.
As well as the blackcaps, other migrating birds have arrived over the past few days. Our first swallows were seen yesterday, and little ringed plover, redshank and avocet have also been on the edges of the pools. Today, both the avocet and little ringed plover were best seen from Hail’s view – the new viewpoint on the heathland trail that overlooks the southern end of the brooks.
Reptiles are also enjoying the sunshine with adder, grass snake and common lizard found basking. Fattengates courtyard has become one of the best spots to look for reptiles with the wall and log piles proving to be nice warm sun-loungers. I’m looking forward to seeing some amphibians on our first pond dipping session of the year on Saturday when I’ll be peering into the ponds in search of newts and other creatures.