It felt more like Summer than early Spring as 9 keen enthusiasts set out eagerly to see what could be found on such a fine day. Soon we were looking at Orange Tip male butterflies. Peacock butterflies warmed up by sitting on the path, and colourful yellow Brimstone added to the butterfly list. Beeflies were abundant. Yes, Spring had finally arrived. Walking through the woods the sound of Chiff Chaffs was everywhere. A lone shy Nuthatch tried its best to compete, and a Robin and Chaffinch fought over offerings placed on the bridge parapet. By the bridge, lurking in the foliage, was an Orange Horned Nomad bee, captured in a pot for observation. Also in the same area the much larger Flavous Nomad bee. A dashing Small Copper butterfly was a surprise find.

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Over the bridge and scanning the first lagoon brought little visual excitement. However, the Bittern was booming, much to the delight of everyone. The island was dominated by squabbling Black-Headed Gulls, amongst which was a lone Greylag Goose, sitting on what was presumably a nest. With patience a Great Crested Grebe was eventually found partly camouflaged in the reed edge. As we left this lagoon a Reed Bunting, high in a tree, bade us farewell. Small White and Comma were added to the butterfly list.

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The next lagoon had large areas of stony islands and birdwise was the most rewarding  of the day. With careful scoping Litle Ring Plover, Ringed Plover, Avocet, Redshank, Black-Tailed Godwit and Redshank could be found. European White Wagtails ran around the shoreline.

In the meantime continued insect hunting discovered White-tailed, Buff-Tailed and Tree Bumble bees plus Common Carder bee, Tapered Drone fly, Tiger Hoverfly and Alderfly.

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The Lookout hide overlooking yet another lagoon held little of interest. Returning via the western edge of the lakes, several off duty Grey Herons rested in the fields, together with a lone Egyptian Goose. Blackcaps sang as we passed through the woods back to the car park. Indeed Spring had truly arrived.

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A dry sunny day with a total of 54 bird species and 16 insects, enjoyed by Ivan & Carole, Dave & Veronica, Glynne & Carol, Barbara, Jacky and Tony

 

 

Tony Wardell