|
What a wonderful summer for birds; it is several
years since we have had so many Swallows and Swifts
swooping round the garden and up over the river.
In fact there is a profusion of little birds-----
most seem to have survived the hard winter and,
judging by the number of times I fill the feeders
they are making up for lean times.
Chiffchaff and Blackcap turned up in March and
some beautiful Yellow Wagtails stopped on migration
on the marshes in April. Garden Warblers---their
song so easily confused with Blackcap came early
in May.
Blackbird and Thrush were here early but much
quieter than usual----working hard to nest and
bring up their families.
In the garden we have the usual species----
Chaffinch and Great Tit in large numbers but fewer
Robins,and Bluetit than usual. However Greenfinch
Coldfinch and Longtailed Tits seem to have done well.
Whitethroats have nested, after giving us a miss last
year. We have had great flocks of Starlings swooping
round at the beginning of July; very dramatic. They
go into the conifers to roost.
On the river we have the usual Greenshank, Redshank
and Shelduck with a good number of Little Egrets
which we are accepting as part of the river birds;
a Curlew Sandpiper appeared in July.
A good number of butterflies are here--a Silver
Veined Fritillary was spotted late June.
The 'Wildlife Garden'at Flatford, is a marvellous
addition and should be a must on everyone's list of
places to visit---about 25 minutes walk along the
riverbank.
Ramsey wood has been hosting Nightingales and we
have heard them singing in the garden.
The Cattawade bird list now stands at 66 and
includes unusial species such as water rail,
Cettis warbler and bearded tit.
The RSPB organise many events (including barge
trips) in the area and it is worth checking with
them before you come---their number is 01206 391153
HAPPY BIRDWATCHING !
|
|