Thorpe Marshes - Signs Of Spring!

At last with temperatures around 15 C and the sun shining things looked a bit more promising than of late.

At the very least I was hoping to hear a Chiff Chaff. Nothing near the footbridge where there had been some recent sightings. I decided to head for Bungalow Lane where I remember seeing several in the treetops last year. Whilst walking along the path leading to the Lane I heard one in the adjacent thick woodland. When I got beyond the railway crossing on Bungalow Lane itself sure enough I saw three Chiffchaffs in different locations. One was sufficiently bold to let me get a couple of decent photographs. 

 

 

On the shingle spit were two Oystercatchers. I also saw my first Butterflies of the year, three Small Tortoiseshell enjoying the sun's warm rays.

 

Bumped into Ricky (Shakys Birding Blog) on the way around the circuit. Nice to have a chat and catch up since our meeting last year!

More from Bergh Apton Bird Feeding Station

Things seem to be getting a bit busier at the feeding station than of late. A new addition to the Bergh Apton list was a Grey Wagtail that settled briefly in the yard. Too brief for a photograph unfortunately!

Greenfinches that have been missing for several months have returned along with Goldfinches that feed almost non stop on the Niger seed. A Great Spotted Woodpecker makes regular visits which poses the question as to wether this is one of a breeding pair from last year.

The visiting Moorhens are showing unusual behaviour. Clambering up on the metal framework they feed greedily from the seed feeder. Not to be outdone a Pheasent does likewise!