Tuesday 28 April 2009

Ignoring the Weather Forecast

All pictures today taken in poor light (c) 2009 Maurice Gordon
Willow Warbler Display
Normal Behaviour
Blackcap
Record shot of Treecreeper
The weather forecast was for heavy rain today, so the sessions were almost cancelled. As it turned out we had a little drizzle at the beginning of the morning class, and a little at the very end of the afternoon, so I’m pleased I ignored the forecast, and carried on anyway. As it was so overcast, the birdsong wasn’t quite what it might have been, but we did have a very confiding Willow Tit in the morning, and a Treecreeper in the afternoon. Both sessions enjoyed performances by: Willow Warbler, [including a display to deter an intruding male in its territory], Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Tawny Owl and Skylark. We had an exceptional songster in the morning, and a Cuckoo as we were just about to leave. Although we didn’t catch sight of it, we could work out where it was concealed, so I’ll see if it’s still there during future sessions. On the return journey to the meeting place we saw a very dark green/purple Pheasant & a Red-legged Partridge. We heard Great Spotted Woodpeckers during both classes, but the birdsong was quieter in the afternoon. The bluebells were much further out than last Wednesday, but still haven’t quite reached their best yet.

2 comments:

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Sounds good Michael, the weather here has been dire.
Like the Willow Warbler images by Maurice.
Mike

Michael Flowers said...

It seems we were quite lucky on 28th. Apparently, it rained a lot in Nafferton, and it was very wet in Market Weighton, but we hardly had any rain! Maybe it confined itself to higher ground!