I had today off work so I decided to go for a mooch round Daneshill reserve late this afternoon. A great decision as it turned out. I didn't see anything spectacular but enjoyed it all the same. Started off hearing Chiffchaffs just as i entered the wood, my first of the year and it certainly lifted my spirits to hear them. Further into the woods were the usual great tits and blue tits, and then a huge group of long-tailed tits (or as my husband has named the "chops" as he says they look like tiny lamb chops). They didn't seem bothered by me at all and came very close at times all the while looking absurdly cute!! As I walked back towards the lake I saw a blackcap for a few seconds which then flew higher into the trees and sang as only a blackcap can. As I walked round the edge of the lake a group of Bullfinches flew ahead of me, never too far away though and I heard Chiffchaffs a plenty all around. A female reed warbler hopped about in the trees above my head and a dunnock sang his heart out. Next my attention was caught by a rustling in the gorse to my left and as I stood still 2 wrens squabbled and flew backwards and forwards over the path, not even seeming to notice me. This went on for quite a while until one of them decided to make a break for it!! More great/blue/longtailed tits and bullfinches as I went back to the car park and then, my first of the year.......... a swallow!!! I'd love to be able to report that I heard a willow warbler, but I'm just not sure that it was, so i'll hope to hear it better next time and be certain.
All in all a great day and I'm now much more optimistic that spring is on the way.
Ladybird
Why is there never enough time?
That sounds like it was a great time. and well done on seeing the swallow. Not a sight of them this far north yet.
Cant wait to see them
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Nothing very spectacular but just an all round enjoyable afternoon. Not as dramatic as your patch though. It's donkeys years since I was in your neck of the woods, but as I remember a very beautiful place. I'm sure your swallows will be with you soon :)
Aye Im lucky where I live I have the river Don and the River Dee That I go birding at .
Only just got back into it and loving just getting out of the house for a while.
never 2 days the same :)
Sounds great. Like you I've just got back into birding again. As a teenager I was very keen, but life just seemed to get in the way for quite a while. Now I try and make the time and I've got a couple of good places near the Humber and Potteric Carr near Doncaster, none of which I get to as much as I'd like. But it's just so rewarding and I love every minute even when I'm getting it wrong!!