Over all April was a pretty poor month regarding the weather …. it was pretty miserable and cold too!! Instead of April showers we had April deluges … despite that we did have a few butterflies and eventually the Summer migrants did start to arrive and it was great to hear the first Blackcaps on the 8th and I also saw my first Swallows on the 8th!!
5th: I had a drive down to Westgate Carr this evening … it was dry for once but we still can’t get rid of those cold Northerlies!!! However despite the cold winds I had great views of Barn Owl hunting tonight. Luckily a small hedge gave me cover and I watched it hunting, after it caught a vole I stood perfectly still as it flew past; it was completely focused on hunting for food and my presence did not disturb it …. Its wings never made a sound as it flew by … Amazing!!
8th: Heard my first Blackcaps today brilliant!! What a gorgeous song … tried for ages to get a photo’ … not even a sniff … singing constantly from deep cover. Photographing warblers is so frustrating!! However the local Chiff -chaffs were really showing off and singing in full voice too. It was also interesting to see Great Tits having a real squabble presumably over territory .. or males fighting over a female.
12th: Weather still poor … but nonetheless less had a nice walk round Scampston hall .. just east of Rillington … very quiet bird wise but there were some nice Spring flowers including; fritillaries, snowdrops and cowslips.However, not a sign of any early Dragonflies ..such as 4 Spotted Chasers.
13th: Spring has officially arrived …!!! Heard my first Willow Warblers today as I had a very early 5a.m. walk this morning must be mad!! Also I saw some very nice Orange Tips today; really brightens the day up when you see these little beauties flying about!!
Headed down to Wales to see relatives … based just outside Tenby for the next few days … but weather still grim … just a constant run of showers/ heavy rain with a chilly Northerly breeze!!
26th: Despite the weather had another welcome spring migrant today … a very vocal Garden Warbler … but getting a decent photograph …. not a chance!!! However, still great to hear and another sign that Spring is gradually spreading its influences through our natural world.
27th: Things are looking up … heard Redstart today and had a walk along the coastal path near Penally Golf course … pretty quiet .. probably due to the grim weather … but Stonechats, Goldfinches and Linnets nice to see … but top billing must go to the Choughs !! About 8 in one flock.. giving their characteristic calls .. so evocative !!!
31st: Well the Welsh part of the journey is over… off to Somerset now! Hopefully, some migrants will put in an appearance!!
