Around and About

Redpolls and Siskin topped the list of birds processed today.  Some of the male Redpolls are looking very red.

Siskins are still feeding in the back garden and their bright yellow colours stand out.

Some of these birds were controls, meaning that they have been ringed elsewhere.  We will wait for information from the BTO to find out more details.  Other birds visiting the ringing room included Bullfinch, Blackbirds, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Dunnocks. 

Out and about on the reserve, leaves are showing through.  Primrose leaves on the island in the Voley Pond.

Lesser Celandine leaves are beautifully marked.

Now that the winter work has almost finshed some areas have been opened up and new things, once hidden can now be seen.  This Hazel was coppiced many years ago.

In the willow carr a very old, moss covered, knarled willow stands out.

A Curlew was heard calling.  Whirligig beetles were lilving up to their name and whirling on the surface of one the ponds.  A black slug was slowly munching on some green leaves.  

Jennifer and Roger's journey to the gate last night was slow, due to Common Toads walking across the access road.  They moved 26 of them to safety.  Not a one was seen today.