Tuesday 4 May 2010

Peaceful Canal

Willow Warbler
ditto
Reed Warbler (c) 2010 Phil & Claude Hargreaves
Reed Warbler
ditto
Chaffinch
Peacock
Speckled Wood (c) 2010 Phil & Claude Hargreaves
Comma (c) 2010 Phil & Claude Hargreaves
Orange-Tip (c) Phil & Claude Hargreaves
Large Red Damselfly
Blue-tailed Damselfly [teneral male] ?
Parasitic Wasps
Bottom's Up - Mute Swan
We missed out on this lovely location last year, so we were quick to make amends this time. Everyone had great views of several Reed & Sedge Warblers, which were "lifers" for some on the course. We just missed out on the Grass Snakes as a dog walker went ahead of us to try & snap them - so, frightening them off for us. There always used to be a Lesser Whitethroat in a particular spot, but there was no sign of it today - it's place taken by a Garden Warbler. The day started with a very cold wind, which chilled everyone, but things had warmed up considerably by the conclusion of the morning session. In this warmth butterflies began to appear, quickly followed by the first damselflies of the year. A male Cuckoo was calling during the first part of the morning, then passed us as it was screened by thick vegetation, but it was completely silent in the afternoon. There were plenty of Linnets, Yellowhammers, and Reed Buntings with fewer Willow Warblers, Whitethroats; whilst overhead we had Swallows, Swifts & the first House Martins seen by the classes this year. A Holly Blue was seen for the 1st time ever at this location with plenty of Speckled Woods, Orange Tips, Small Tortoiseshells, Green-Veined Whites and a Peacock or two. We didn't see anything really unusual, but it was a very pleasant day once the temperature increased!

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