back again.... not a bad day at all on the reserve although it was not as pleasant and sunny as yesterday. For our troubles we had: f Hen Harrier, Red Kite south 1500, 2 Water Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, 28 Golden Plover, 9 Pintail, 26 Curlew, 40 Dunlin, 1st yr Med Gull, m Bullfinch, f Blackcap, Chiffchaff, 7m Cetti’s Warblers
The Red Kite was especially pleasing as Mel (our new Visitors Services Manager) spied it from inside the office while on a phone call and just stopped mid flow and shouted 'Kite!' and pointed out of the window. I saw it and then quickly radioed it out before rushing out side. Amazingly it vanished and we could no relocate it for any one else! Sorry folks... sure there will be another!
Took some shots of early flowers and burgeoning buds today. Surely spring is lurking behind a cloud somewhere? The first Wheatear and Little Ringed Plover were in London today so perhaps we will have a migrant before the week is out.
Gorse - smells of coconut when warmed by the sun! Looks a bit like 'Audrey' the very hungry plant from Little Shop of Horrors... 'Feed me!'
Sea Buckthorn buds
Sloe buds
Speedwell... not sure which one yet
I also some shots of Coltsfoot on my phone which I shall endeavor to get off at some stage!