Friday, 12th April 2024
Old Lodge NR
Our primary focus this morning was redstarts. Thankfully they had returned in time for our visit and we managed to see at least 8.
- One was singing away in the canopy of a really tall tree - I have never seen this before.
Courtesy of Alan Loweth
- Another was photographed emerging from a log pile.
Courtesy of Alison Playle
- Woodlarks were a source of interest. We saw and heard several in flight early on thanks to Charles and his fantastic hearing. However our best views were when Kevin found one on the ground half way up the hill after we crossed the stream by the bridge. One became two as another was spotted. They flew away just before we spotted another two. What a treat!
- Willow warblers are a staple here and thankfully they too had arrived in time for our visit. There can be no sweeter sound than that of the melancholic, descending notes of this lovely bird singing from the treetops.
Courtesy of Alison Playle
There were several omissions:-
- Incredibly we didn’t find any dartford warblers.
- It was a tad too early for cuckoos and tree pipits.
Butterflies were aplenty.
- We saw orange tip, speckled wood, peacock and brimstone.
We even saw a lizard – minus its tail!
Courtesy of Alison Playle
A very satisfying trip!
2024 species count=153
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