Ratty - along the River bank in Arundel

I had a couple of hurs during the week, so nipped over to WWT Arundel.

It was quite light of birds.. hardly surprising for the time of year

Some Mallard youngsters still about

 A young moorhen

Just a few flutters about

I'd hoped to see the water vole again but to no avail.

HOWEVER,  I had noticed an RSPB 'tent' down by the stream in Mill Road... so I parked the car and went to have a look.

Water Voles had been seen and have their tunnels at the edge of the river bank

and it was there that I saw this one.... it didn't come away from the water's edge below me until it swam, half submerged over to the other side.  BUT lovely to see it and I now know where to look on other occasions.

I

Barnes and Bushy

Yesterday I had a trip over to Barnes (London Wetland Centre). Highlight of the day was a couple of Water Voles; they were fighting so we assumed 2 x males. They were hiding for most of the time but just occasionally they swam along the little stream.

They always look so odd to me when they're swimming - sort of elongated!

This spot seemed to be the place it always returned to.. and this was the best shot I could get!

But one of the did stop for a quick wash and brush up!

I heard Cetti's Warblers in at least three places and I'd just got my camera onto this Wren when a Cetti's popped up along side it! Then immediately disappeared! Typical! It was the only one I was going to see.

A Mallard posed in the wonderfully warm sun !

Snake's Head Fritillaries seem to have appeared almost overnight.

And my first Peacock flutterby sighting. Think this may be an over-wintering one given it's got a lump missing from (it's ) left wing.

Another two firsts for the season - a Shield Bug

and a Ladybird.. pity they couldn't have chosen something more attractive to land on.

and a Hoverfly - dashing about as usual; so only a record shot!

It was wonderfully warm yesterday (Saturday) and it was great to just wander around without a coat/jacket.... but today - cold wind and out early this morning I had my gloves on. What contrasts in our weather!!

And today - having a walk in Bushy I heard, then saw, a Goldcrest!! woo hoo.