So, January is finally out of the way. Obviously it is still winter, but I am now psychologically geared towards looking for signs of spring. Yesterday, hope was provided by a queen wasp hovering in front of the garage doors.
Today I headed for Arrow Valley Lake optimistic that I should at least gain a few year-ticks. I probably should have arrived before 09.00 am as the next two hours was spent in the company of dog-walkers, joggers, and a fallen woman (someone called an ambulance for her).
Despite ranging more widely than just the pool, I only recorded birds I have already seen on patch this year. Sunny intervals and a light breeze gave a spring-like feel and the birds were behaving accordingly.
I heard at least four singing Treecreepers, and several singing Song Thrushes.
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| Song Thrush |
On the pool three pairs of Great Crested Grebes were getting frisky, displaying enthusiastically.
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| Great Crested Grebes |
On the island I counted at least seven heron nests, of which three were definitely occupied.
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| Grey Heron on nest |
At least nine Goosanders were a reminder it is still winter, and the lake also hosted 101 Black-headed Gulls, 100 Canada Geese, six Tufted Ducks, and nine Greylag Geese.
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| A drake Goosander |
Other birds seen included Kingfisher, Nuthatches, Common Buzzard, and Stock Dove.
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| Nuthatch |
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| Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull |
Better luck next time.
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