Birds in Surrey and Sussex.

It's been an odd few days. The weather seems to have reverted to more winter-like conditions. And, rather like Keith, my pictures seem to have been building up a bit so there's rather a few in today's post. I seem to be playing catch up!

Just a quick garden note. The Great Spotted Woodpecker that's been drumming virtually daily (and is doing so as I type - yes it's 6.15 a.m.!!) for the past three weeks is still drumming every morning. He sits in exactly the same space in the same tree still. I do wish he would get an answering "drum" one of these days. I'm beginning to feel quite sorry for him.

The frogs have finally finished spawning - well at least I hope they have. The spawn almost reaches across the width of the pond in one place!

I was down in Sussex visiting Mum the other day. It was extremely murky and misty and visibility was reduced considerably. However, we still had a visit to our favourite pub - the Sportsman in Amberley. Fantastic views over Pulborough Wild brooks but most of the birds had now moved on. This area floods every year and the waters have now receded somewhat.

From there we drove through Arundel and called in to the car park of the WWT Arundel. The weather didn't permit a visit into the reserve itself but I had an agenda - I wasn't disappointed. Quite often high above the high hills overlooking the reserve you'll see buzzards. I heard them as I drove in and we sat there for sometime watching four of them calling and gliding high above us - lovely!

There were hardly any cars in the car park but this rather handsome chappie kept us company. He was obviously very bored with our company and kept dozing off! I've never noticed before how strange their eyes are when they are closed!

as opposed to when they are open!

He obviously wasn't at all bothered by having a camera lens pointed at him and continued to sleep through the proceedings.

Then a couple of days ago, I went for my usual potter about in Bushy. Delighted to discover that one of the Great Crested Grebes was back - still no sign of the second one however.

Another sleeping bird who lazily stretched a leg while dozing - well he didn't want to overdo things now did he!

The Mute Swans have just started nesting again. They're in exactly the same spot on the same little island as last year when they successfully raised all 8 cygnets.

A coot has a wash and brush up - but it's missed the top of its head which is still a bit grubby

(click on the picture to enlarge it!)

A new breed - this is a Helicopter Black-headed Gull ;)

Now, regular readers will have seen Punk before

(Punk is a Pochard crossed with a Tufted Duck)

So what is the parentage here please?

Into the woods and this little wren paused for a minute so I could grab a picture. The wren's are singing a great deal at the moment - a wonderful sound!

I noticed this nest - it was very high up and therefore difficult to see the bird.

Initially only the tip of it's tail feathers were visible.

Then it had a wriggle and more of the tail appeared!

It then flew off the nest and came back with more nesting material. I'm pretty sure it's a Mistle Thrush (?)

And now the cute bit - the three Goslings are still - three!

I love walking through the Silver Birch woods. The ground is covered with daffodils and should be at its best in a few days - IF we get some sunshine!

The following are various points around Bushy - mostly taken in the two gardens.





Out in the main area of the park is this wonderful Weeping Willow. It must have fallen many many years ago. The tree has long since recovered and doesn't seem to be suffering from the metal guard (to prevent the deer eating the young sapling). It's amazing how it's grown into an upright position although lying on its side.

Along one of the many small streams.

And finally, (phew I hear you gasp - assuming you've made it this far!) one of the rhododendrons now fully in flower.