Spring

Not been out and about much in recent weeks, mostly because I haven't really wanted to. I have periods of not quite being 'on it' when it comes to birding and this appears to be one. That said, spring normally gets me out and the sunshine today was just too enticing.

Chiffchaff

Chiffchaff

Still too early for most spring migrants but chiffchaff have been in good voice for some weeks now. This one was singing away next to the sailing club pit and whilst not the closest/best shot, it is the best one I have (to date) of this iconic spring species. Blackcap also singing well over the last week or so but that is it as far as warblers are concerned. Other nice signs around the Papercourt area include a female kestrel peering out of a nestbox, plenty of noise from the little grebe population in the reedbeds and of course, the enthralling sound of skylark, singing high over Papercourt Meadows.

Nothing tells you spring has sprung more than the appearance of butterflies and today included a small number of orange tip, a rather larger number of speckled wood and a single peacock, all pictured here.

Orange Tip

Peacock

Speckled Wood

I was out a couple of weeks ago in the same location and from that short stroll, images of house sparrow and another attempt to capture what I consider to be a good great crested grebe picture (still not quite happy!)

Great Crested Grebe

House Sparrow