Reserve really starting to blossom now, Wood Anemones, Violets, Moschatel, Coltsfoot, Saxifrage and of course the wonderful Butterbur all looking amazing when the sun shines. The smell of garlic is just everywhere. It's that great time for birdwatching now, all the birds are busy but there are still not enough leaves to hide them. This morning we saw or heard 25 different species including Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Green Woodpecker, Chiff chaffs,Blackcap and more. Just as we were leaving there was a real commotion above us and at first I thought it was the Sparrowhawk but it turned out to be a Thrush having a real go at a Crow, the plucky little bird suceeded in chasing the Crow right across the field!
Sadly not everyone visits the reserve to enjoy it's beauty as I found out when I had to remove certain items of litter today. Stuff like lighters and empty booze bottles really do seem out of place amidst all that natural beauty.
Yes it's good to see the warmer weather starting to take hold. It was really good to see a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers darting around between the trees - sett side of the Redwood. A buzzard left the huge nest down by the pine which always has Owl pellets below it, which was another nice sight on today's visit.
ReplyDeleteWow, exciting news, I've never seen a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, will be looking out now, there are plenty of holes! Thought it might be a Buzzard's nest. Often find the Owl pellets, not sure which Owl it is, someone thought they saw a Long Eared Owl in that area last year.
DeleteHeard long eared owls there last year but not seen them. The lsw are tiny and take some spotting but yes it is great that they are there considering their massive decline. We have had one visiting our feeders in the garden but the great spotted seem hell bent on killing the tiny little chap.
DeleteWhat a shame about the litter. It does sound as though the Reserve is looking beautiful - really must try and come along and see the Butterbur.
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