Cuckoo and marsh flowers

Although the weather seems to have reverted to the grotty stuff we've been enduring for weeks, I managed a pleasant walk across the common this morning, clocking up 27 bird species. The best, for me, was the cuckoo I heard, since I have heard no other so far this year. Various Lower Street residents have been telling me that they have been hearing it, often at an unearthly hour, but I was beginning to wonder if it was going to elude me.

The male reed bunting that has been in residence on the main reed bed was showing well, and singing loudly, but sadly was still too obscured by reeds for a clear photo. A reed warbler was also chuntering away deep in the reed bed at the same time. Those, combined with song thrush, blackcap and chiffchaff all singing at the same time more than made up for the lack of sunshine.

The marsh is coming into flower now. As well as the bog beans that have been showing for a couple of weeks, we also have marsh valerian, orchids and cotton grass in flower. I tried to get them all in a single shot, but that wasn't too impressive, but here at least is some cotton grass.