What have you seen

We've seen them quite a long way inland in mating season, particularly in Scotland. Quite surprised me the first time.

It's a bit like coming across Curlews and Redshanks that breed inland.

Had 6 Red Kites fly over then about 2 hours later 1 Black Kite so a good day for birds of prey even our local pair of Buzzards flying about.

Had a walk this morning in the magic hour after most of the dog walkers had completed their early morning circuit and before the tourists descended on Portchester Castle. Was rewarded by seeing our local kingfisher flitting up and down the moat surrounding the meadow.

We walked around the beach area in Burntisland and saw a flock of Great Tits, many walking 4 abreast to occupy the full width of the promenade, so 2 metres social distancing became about 10cm. Some Lesser Tits who could be identified by only walking in pairs, many in the adolescent stage of development so possibly mature enough to breed next year; they left as much as 60cm space between each other but still left very little space for some Old Buzzards on mobility scooters to pass safely.

The raw beauty of Mother Nature on a bracing Sunday afternoon on the Firth of Forth ...

Steve

Reading previous posts on here about pond life (nothing to do with the above post! ) We've had nothing in our pond until this weekend, suddenly we have frog and toad spawn and the newts are active.

Butterflies are starting to emerge in the sun, I love the bright yellow Brimstones, this always heralds Spring for me. 

Small Tortoiseshells in the garden for over a week.  Robins mate has turned up.  Siskin on feeder this morning 

We have very few birds in our garden for one reason or another, the occasional Robin and a Rook who devours the peanuts on the feeder. However just after we went to bed last night the security light came on and looking out spotted a hedgehog making it's way through the garden.

Working in the garden this morning was a joy, not something I've been heard saying very often.

There was plenty of Songbirds chattering away, with both Song and Mistle Thrush, a GSW battering hell out of a tree trunk, Chiffchaffs doing what they do but best of all some very contented Chickens from the bungalow 3 doors down and the filthy laugh of the Ducks a couple of streets away. Not a lawnmower, hammer, drill or Karcher going anywhere. Sheer bliss.

After a very noisy day yesterday thanks to a burst of mechanical activity around us (loudest of all was a petrol driven lawn edger, never heard one before, we just go round with a half moon spade.) We could hear the birds today and they could hear each other! 

We had a pleasant walk yesterday along by Sandscale Haws. There were Lapwings and Curlews calling and Skylarks singing above the dunes.