Friday 9 April 2010

Final Winter Sessions

Yellowhammer [male]
Yellowhammer [pair]
Yellowhammer [female]
Linnet [male]
Willow Warbler
Willow Warbler
Fieldfare
Chaffinch
Record shot of distant Stoat
Small Tortoiseshell
Last term Fridays were so awful week after week, that 2 extra days were set aside after all the other classes had finished to catch up; and today the final sessions were held. Winter was represented by a Fieldfare, but generally signs of spring were everywhere. Birdsong was omnipresent with Mistle & Song Thrushes, Wrens, Robins, Great Tits, Dunnocks, Goldfinches & Greenfinches all blasting out their phrases. There were at least 4 singing Willow Warblers, almost a dozen male Yellowhammers, a few Chiffchaffs, a barking Little Owl (pm), plenty of Linnets, a couple of Bullfinches, a single soaring Buzzard, and a single soaring Sparrowhawk. There were also some butterflies: Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Commas, and a single male & a single Female Brimstone. A cheeky Stoat stared out of a large Rabbit hole, but didn't catch a Rabbit while we were watching. A male Greenfinch performed its slow-motion "butterfly" courtship flight for the benefit of the afternoon group, rather than for any watching female Greenfinches. The only disappointment was a lack of Red Kites, but it was a very calm day, so that may be why they were absent. Hopefully, Fridays will have much better weather next term, which starts next week for all sessions!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

That's quality shot of the Linnet, great stuff.

Michael Flowers said...

Thanks. Hoping to find one with more red on it soon, but it probably won't be as confiding as this particular bird!