Babies everywhere

Walking round the Commons yesterday I was struck by the numbers of recently fledged birds, particularly in the woods of School Common. Both the nest boxes that I knew had blue tit families in residence were now unoccupied so far as I could tell, but there were the begging calls of their former residents all over the wood.

I also found fledgeling long tailed tits, blackcaps and chiffchaffs, so I think it's fair to say it has been a successful breeding season already, despite the lack of rain.That lack of rain may well have an impact on the breeding success of swallows and house martins however, since they need mud to build their nests.

I always think the main common looks its absolute best at exactly this time of year, and although there was no sun, the section we cut every year was nonetheless a picture. The fresh growth of reeds contrasts vividly with the darker greens of older vegetation, and the fluffy cotton grass heads set it all off beautifully. Add to that the subtle purples and pinks of orchids and ragged robin, and you have a very pretty picture indeed. Not one my photographic skills would have been up to I fear, even if I had bothered to take my camera in such dull weather.

Glorious spring

I know we desperately need rain, but this has to be one of the best springs I can remember. This morning was glorious: warm, but fresh, with a perfect blue sky. Had a wonderful walk across the common, clocking up 30 bird species as well as a few butterflies and plants. At least two of our nestboxes in School Common are occupied by blue tits, but I hope several more boxes are also being used.

The flag irises are now in flower at Scouts' Pond, and although the water level has dropped a lot it looks good nonetheless. The picture doesn't do it justice.

After that, across the boardwalk I found not one but three reed warblers. There is rarely a more futile exercise than peering through reeds trying to find these birds, but I was anyway, when there was some fluttering on two appeared, one chasing the other. A bit of a territorial dispute I fancy. I had earlier had a reasonable view of a singing reed bunting. It was too far off for a good picture, but I see that my effort caught him in mid shout.

I see the orchids, ragged robin and cotton grass are all in flower, making a lovely show.

As for the butterflies, I found a speckled wood in Warren Woods, still several orange tips, and now there are also lots of green veined whites about.

Evening delights

Had a quick belt across the common this evening, in the late and cold bright sunshine. I'd gone for the encouraging reason that the box of wildlife survey forms needed topping up, and decided to take a quick look at what might be about at the same time.

I was not disappointed. Willow warbler and chiffchaff singing, alongside a song thrush. Then I heard my first sedge warbler of the season, in area C (the section cut last winter). There was also a reed bunting singing from somewhere in there.

And then, just as I was turning back from the Warren Road end, I got this good view of a muntjac. Not bad for a 15 minute walk!