Hatfield Forest..when the end of visit was not what I was expecting

Twas the hottest day of the year, 9 April.  I was going elsewhere later, having decided with Pete where we were going.

So I went off early, solo, for a wander round the Forest.. it was glorious.. (pics below) and I did see a Bullfinch... the pic was awful so didn't publish it... :)

HOWEVER, on my way out I tripped over a tree root, fell forwards and fractured the  humerus of my right arm.

As I type this a few days later, I still can't type easily or very fast, so here is Pete's account

I'm going to be going on hols in 5 weeks ish, and today I went out with my camera .. with success, so that's that box ticked then.  I have every intention of getting on that plane!!

Clarence (on the left - housemate of Mr. Quacks) and Fido... enjoying an alfresco breakie..

and further round the late, I fell.. so that, was that, as they say

Hatfield Forest in the mist..

.. was in Hatfield Forest today.. it was a tad misty...

 This Great Crested Grebe was calling for a mate.. but stayed lonely

 ..  hopefully it will find one..

Details of a Mute Swan's foot

the sun came out later.. but too late for me..

Hatfield Forest & Rye Meads

Up in Essex for a concert with Pete - so as the sun was glorious and and sky was blue, I went for a wander and some lunch in Hatfield Forest.  Ah.. tis half term and the newly refurbished cafe had a rather long queue... so I settle for a walk only.

The Buttercups in the fields as you come into the Forest are glorious.. pictures don't really capture the moment properly..

On the lake... (couldn't get to the end of the jetty as Boat Hire has recommenced..) some young Mallards.. but shooting against the sun..

Two Common Terns out on the Tern Raft.. a new raft is in place for next season..

And then over to Rye Meads.. heard Cettis and Reed/Sedge Warblers but couldn't get glimpses even

The Konik ponies were out in the field.. lovely to see them.. all four present.

From the Draper hide - Parents of young Canada Geese needed to defend their young as this persistent Mute Swan wanted to be too close..  however, it got chased off quite efficiently

Elsewhere a Mum with five young Cygnets

A rather battle scarred Peacock Butterfly.

The Kingfishers, it is reported, have young but were also explore a 2nd nest in the Bank..  sounds promising..  too far away for my camera/lens.. so just  record shot!

One of the very many Black-headed Gulls on the reserve..  there are, allegedly about 7/8 breeding pairs of Common Tern in amongst all the BH Gulls breeding on the Tern raft

A female Mallard enjoying a branch and having a doze in the afternoon sun..

This Mute Swan family wouldn't come into full view.. but I think there were 4 cygnets.

A very pleasant day..... and the concert was very good too :)