3 July 2016

A Summer's Day At Last!

Date: 3rd July 2016
Location: Newton Patch Walk
Weather: Sunny Intervals > Sunny + Warm
Other Species: Buzzard, Kestrel, Swift, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Jay, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Skylark, Wren, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Raven, Blackcap - 41 Species Total
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell

Observation: Before a patch walk, we visited a little woodland only 7 miles from home, and after a few minutes of arriving we got 2 new yearly Butterfly ticks!

First being the White Admiral...


Even managed a closed wing shot...


Second being the Silver Washed Fritillary...


For a first time visit we don't think this was bad, we will return in a few weeks to see what else is about!

Now for the patch walk, we went out via Bath Mill Lodge Retreat as normal, the normal here, so up to Seven Acre. At the crossroads, a hovering Kestrel against blue skies with 30+ Swifts buzzing about. Starting to feel like summer!

The Whitethroats and Yellowhammer's seemed to be enjoying the sunshine as there was an abundance of them bobbing around singing from the hedgerows.


Onto the Village, there were swarms of flies for the House Martin's + Barn Swallows to feast on! This one was having a break and singing away!


We've been keeping a keen eye on the House Martin nest where it seems they now have to do a quick DIY job, after the nest has collapsed, they were busy fixing it whilst we stopped for a few minutes, so hopefully there will be enough time for a successful brood.


Out the Lakes now. Bottom Lake was busy with fisherman so not alot on this Lake.
Top Lake, the 7 Cygnets and both parents are still doing well, Dad is doing a good job of ensuring nothing gets too close to the Cygnets by chasing them off!


Whilst watching the Cygnets doing some wing stretches and copying Mum, 2 fledgling Goldcrest caught our attention, very cute little things!



Whilst having a quick 5 minute search at Top Lake (and a sit-down) a sudden influx of young House Martin's started buzzing around and skimming the water for bugs.


Look how many Common Blue Damselflies there are just in one shot! There must have been at least 1000+ on Top Lake, plenty of food for the House Martin's to feast on!


On the return through the Village, the House Martin's were collecting mud and gravel, maybe it's the pair who are fixing the nest!





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