SOME GOOD NEWS

Bluebells at Parkgate

There are few better sights in the world than a carpet of bluebells in spring – a perfect antidote to twitching mania. These were seen at Parkgate, near Newdigate, this afternoon, where Annie and I also heard three Nightingales further along the footpath and Cuckoo.

Yesterday the local patch came up with the goods yet again when Gordon Hay discovered a male Whinchat on Mercers Farm in the old paddocks next to the oak trees where one of our Little Owls resides.

Male Whinchat at Mercers Farm in the old paddock area.

I didn't have to leave for work until 10.30am, so was able to pop over to Mercers Farm to take a look. This was only the third spring sighting of Whinchat on the patch so a great find by Gordon. Also in the area, further up the cycle path towards Spynes Mere, a Garden Warbler was happily singing in the bushes.

It was a lovely morning, I just wish I could have stayed a bit longer.

After our walk this afternoon, I had a quick look around the Water Colour Lagoons and the Moors on the patch, where I saw three Little Ringed Plover and a pair of Shelduck. No Reed Warblers as yet, these tend to arrive a bit later, as the reeds are still underdeveloped around the site.

Tonight, as a forfeit, I'm working until late to make up for skiving off. There's always a down side.