Local Walk - Twittering in the Trees

The weather now improves generally, at the same time the bird life becomes more active.

There are also many audible signs that reveal this activity.

Greenfinch are certainly one of those and their constant twittering can be heard during most of the day.

Goldfinch also make similar noise.

The Dunnock has its own special call that is quite unmistakable.

Another sound heard frequently on my walk was the tap-tap-tap of the Great-spotted Woodpecker observed usually high up in tall trees.

Quietly going about its life was this Moorhen along a small stream.

Blue Tits continually call as they search for food.

The Blackwits Return

The Black-tailed Godwits have returned to the Lodmoor Reserve at Weymouth.

Some of the 12 that I observed still have the partial reddish brown breeding plumage.

A Harrier Fly bye.

The Marsh Harriers at Radipole Lake occasionally come close enough to the Hide for a few shots. 

Of course it is usually when I don't have the right lens with me.

So I have had to conduct a lot of post production work on these images. This one is the female.

 

Visit to Lodmoor and Radipole Reserves

A double visit to both Lodmoor and Radipole Reserves during the week.

Sad to see the last of the Golden Plover this Winter. 

They were there at the beginning of the week, but have now left altogether I think.

Shoveler Ducks are starting to fly around choosing their partners for the season.

The flocks of Lapwings are still around and some are likely to remain.

This Teal Duck was taking a bath to look more approachable for the females.

 

Some Teal have already found theirs and are taking a rest.

A couple of Oystercatchers are taking it easy as are Cormorants.

Mediterranean Gulls are gathering and soon to be setting up the colony and making nests on one of the small Islands.

Not sure what this Little Egret will do other than fish at the moment.

Chiffchaffs are still feeding up as they dash in and out from bushes to catch flies.

Great Tits are making much noise now by chasing each other around.

I observed two Goldcrests searching trees for food.