Springtime for birds ...

I've had another weekend down in Sussex.
On Friday, it was warmer than it's been of late which meant a journey out for Mum was on the cards... the sun was hazy but it was much warmer!!

We went to WWT Arundel.

A pair of Nene have produced 2

These "collection" birds (Coscorba Swans) are nesting and there are 5 eggs. I understand that they've not bred successfully yet so hopefully this year.........

Lichen ornamented the branches of the trees that lined the boardwalk

Shelduck were there in good number

and another "collection" bird... White Faced Whistling Duck

In the feeder area, a blue tit..

On Saturday I was with my Grandson and he very nobly accompanied me to RSPB Pulborough Brooks. Because of other "duties" we didn't get there till lunchtime and the new cafe supplied us with very nice toasted sandwiches!!

A nuthatch flew in and out at a rate of knots grabbing a peanut or..

sunflower seed.

I came back Sunday morning and tossed a coin as to where to go... I went to Bushy

A female Mallard was up in a tree..

And as I came to the far end of the pond, a Grey Heron provided entertainment for me. It was a very very dull day and had only just stopped raining!

It stood very still watching..

something caught its eye..

it looked up again

and then concentrated on a particular spot near the bank

Got it!! Seemed that frog was on the menu.

It stood very still after its snack..

turned and looked at me...

(obviously not impressed with what it saw)

looked around again.. but despite a fish splashing about, that was it for the time being.

Further on, two Mallard drakes were fighting..

Black-headed gulls lined up on the bridge railing.

A small herd of Fallow Deer Bucks, were grazing around the pond.

and in the Pheasantry gardens the trees were blossoming!

and the Willows are coming into leaf around the pond.

It started to drizzle again so I headed off for home.

And now, as I type this... the sun's come out and there's blue sky. Wouldn't it just!!