first day of spring

It’s been a little while since my last visit and consequently the changes at Bretton are quite apparent. The heronries for example, deserted and desolate a mere three weeks ago, are now throng with birds. Egg laying has already begun in the untidy tree-top shacks, and whilst the females sit tight, their partners are kept busy collecting yet more nesting material - albeit superfluous to the structure. The reason, according to studies, is that the bigger and more numerous the sticks brought in, the more receptive the females become to the males’ amorous advances –  i.e. the better the pressy, the more sex you get!

At the top of Pikeley Hill and right on cue, the first Chiffchaffs have returned from their African jaunt and are marking out territories with repetitive  song. These are the first migrants to arrive for the new breeding season and are at their easiest to see right now before the leaves appear. It’s always difficult to get pictures for the first couple of weeks though as the birds spend a lot of time in the tree tops, but it’s customary for me to snap the first I see each year so here it is. Better images will appear soon!

At the feeding station near the hide, trade is brisk as birds are coming into peak condition. Maintaining strength is key if they are to attract mates, and topping up body weight now is important - especially for those that will be spending a good deal of the Spring  cramped in a tree hole like this female Great Spotted Woodpecker. She was certainly piling on the calories this morning, consuming peanuts faster than I could deal them. Her problem might be squeezing in there when the time comes! 

 

From the top: Grey Heron, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Nuthatch

bleak

Cold, dismal and very quiet describes Bretton this morning – even the birds must have been Christmas shopping, so just a couple of token pics from the hide today.

Today’s Rollcall: Great Crested Grebe (1), Mute Swan (7), Canada Goose (75+),  Goosander (15), Mallard (30), Tufted Duck (14), Teal (7),  Grey Heron (1),  Coot (3), Pheasant (1), Black-headed Gull (100+), Wood Pigeon (10+), Kingfisher (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (3), Robin (4), Wren (2), Dunnock (2), Blackbird (4), Mistle Thrush (4), Redwing (20+), Great Tit (6), Blue Tit (6), Coal Tit (2), Nuthatch (4),  Jay (2), Carrion Crow (2), Rook (50+),  Jackdaw (30+), Chaffinch (5),  Goldfinch (1), Bullfinch (3) – RECORDED 20/12/08 @ 8.30AM – 10.30AM

barney

One of my favourite individuals at Bretton is Barney the feral Barnacle Goose. He hangs out with the Canadas through the winter months and can usually be found near the hall or grazing the fields of Middle Park. Several geese of other species, in particular Greylag and Pink-foot – and last winter a hybrid Emperor, have joined the herd in recent years but never stick around for long. Barney on the other hand loves Bretton and it will be a sad day when he’s no longer strutting around these elegant grounds. 

Much of Upper Lake remains frozen meaning very little wildfowl interest but the feeders around the hide continue to do brisk business. A newcomer this morning was this very shy female Siskin. Only present for a minute or so the bird never plucked up enough courage to come out of the rhododendron so this was as good a view as I could manage. Nice to see an unfamiliar face though!

Today’s Rollcall: Mute Swan (7), Canada Goose (75+), Barnacle Goose (1), Goosander (12), Mallard (31), Shoveler (3), Tufted Duck (6), Teal (4),  Grey Heron (2),  Coot (11), Moorhen (2), Pheasant (1), Black-headed Gull (70+), Wood Pigeon (10+), Kingfisher (2), Robin (2), Wren (2), Dunnock (2), Blackbird (4), Great Tit (4), Blue Tit (4), Coal Tit (1), Nuthatch (3),  Jay (2), Carrion Crow (4), Rook (5), Magpie (3), Jackdaw (45+), Chaffinch (1), Siskin (2), Bullfinch (2) – RECORDED 6/12/08 @ 8.30AM – 11AM

iced

 

Both lakes were iced over this morning after a perishing night. A thick covering of mist kept the sun at bay and so temperatures remained below freezing until at least noon.

Activity at the feeders was non-stop and frenzied with the largest number of Great & Blue Tits so far this winter. A Sparrowhawk was attracted by the melee but remained perched out of sight during most of my visit.

Poor visibility made a nonsense of my attempted wildfowl count so there are no figures worth posting this weekend.

sunshine & peanut butter

The weather we should have been getting in July & August has finally arrived.  Personally I appreciate it more at this time of year when the light is less harsh and the temperature kept in check.

Daybreak from the bridleway at Middle Park

 

Someone’s been spreading peanut butter on the trees around the hide and whilst it looks pretty unsightly the tits and nuthatches were loving it. I might try this out myself though would need to overcome my phobia of the disgusting stuff before I could handle any! 

Great Tit & Nuthatch at Bretton Lakes YWT Reserve

The first Goosanders of the autumn had arrived since last weekend with three females showing distantly on Upper Lake. The birds will get closer to the hide as winter progresses so I won’t publish todays record shots.

Blue Tit & Mute Swan at Bretton Lakes YWT Reserve

The five Mute Swan youngsters are becoming bolder and have started to venture away from their parents. I always think of swan families as the most disciplined amongst birds. Rarely are the cygnets out of line but this one’s table manners could do to be addressed!

Lower Lake from Cascade Bridge

 

at summer’s end

September is arguably the most spectacular month at Bretton with it’s unique combination of light and colour. But for the naturalist, with flora dying back and migrant birds departing, it’s a quiet place - a place in limbo, waiting for those first frosts to finally put paid to the summer. The woodland is almost devoid of birdsong now - only the territorial Robin and ebullient Wren keep their voices in battle-readiness for the winter struggle.

Nuthatch & Coal Tit at Bretton Lakes YWT Reserve

From under the thinning canopy, acorns are released without the assistance of even the slightest breeze to rain painfully down on the unsuspecting. Ripening beech-mast attracts hundreds if not thousands of itinerant Woodpigeons whilst resident grey squirrels work ceaselessly in an attempt to harvest enough of the bounty for the dark months ahead. And thankfully it’s once more time to go to the park armed with a rather more exotic source of nutrition as moulting tits and finches change their dietary requirements due to the increasing lack of protein on the menu. A mixed bag of ground seed from the supermarket does the trick and despite warm, still conditions this morning they were queuing up for the stuff! A couple of natural perches just outside the hide are ideal for birds waiting their turn and photos too of course.

Kingfisher at Bretton Lakes YWT Reserve

It wasn’t long before Nuthatches plus Coal, Blue & Great Tits were joining me for a spot of breakfast indoors. A Wood Mouse and Common Shrew paid brief visits today, though as ever were too quick for me. Both species are frequently to be found in and around the hide at this time of year as the brambles growing along side are a decent source of fruit and insects.  

Dunnock & Little Grebe at Bretton Lakes YWT Reserve

Two drake Pochards were recently arrived, representing the first of hopefully many wintering fowl. Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler and of course Goosander should be putting in some time here over the coming weeks and with any luck a repeat performance from last year’s Mandarin. Also on the lake the Kingfishers continue to entertain and seem to love their newly created perch. Little Grebes are at their most numerous right now with this year’s offspring venturing much nearer the hide than their worldly-wise parents dare.