4-4-15

The pair of Garganey are still around today and have been showing well on the Purfleet Scrape. They can be elusive at times but eventually show themselves.  Hopefully they will stay and we shall hear the very odd rattling call of the male as he courts his lady friend!

A Ruff, Green Sandpiper and summer plumaged Golden Plover have also been seen in the same area along with many Snipe and 16 Curlew.

One Swallow dashed through…

Yesterday was blustery and still pretty cool but there were signs of some movement with a Greenshank out on the MDZ Pools and the most breathtaking Red Kite I have ever seen (away from the breeding areas) which cruised over the top of the Garrison and headed straight for the Centre balcony where everyone quickly gathered to watch this magnificent bird eye to eye as it circled firstly over the wildlife garden and then…

Some early wild spring flowers have been doing their best to show their faces despite the inclement weather and the scent of the coconut scent of Gorse in flower when warmed by a smidgen of sun is a true smell of springtime...

The Blackthorn (or Sloe.... mmmm Gin......) is now well in bloom with slightly almondy smelling flowers scattering the bushes.  They do not last long and soon brown and fade but another bush nearby…

Joan Burton spent some time around the woodland feeders earlier in the week and the male Great Spotted Woodpecker performed very well and frequently visited to try and steal one of the last peanuts (no top ups of whole ones now as we head into baby bird season).

However, because of some guerrilla action by the local Brown Rats and Carrion Crows, we had been forced to make new lids once again and he was getting himself…

Spring is having a few technical difficulties at the moment in persuading winter to relinquish its hold and give up on the North and South Westerlies that have been predominating in recent days. However in sheltered spots in the occasional patches of sunshine there has be some non-avian activity with a variety of insects as well as a few hardy Marsh Frogs and Common Lizards to be seen.

Marsh Frog - Linda Peall

Butterflies…