A very foggy morning.

It was very foggy this morning, the main lake island was just peeking through the gloom as we left the park mid morning. I was first to arrive today, not a single car in the car park, but JA and DK arrived a little later. I managed to glimpse the main lake swans mating, followed by their post mating dance, through the fog, always beautiful to see.

Mute Swans mating dance

While watching a female Reed Bunting in the Crescent I heard the groaning and squealing of a Water Rail in the reed bed.

Reed bunting (f)

5 Gadwalls were on Fingers and the pair of Great Crested Grebes were nest building.Chiffchaffs were singing in the Rough and at the end of the Spit.

Having met up with JA and DK we headed to Kramer hide where we managed to make out at least 3 Teal through the fog. The Mute Swans were at the nest doing a bit of maintenance. Next stop was the STW bridge where we had at least one Kingfisher and a pair of Grey Wagtails.

Back in the Rough we had a Blackcap singing over on the west side and at the Canoe Slalom we found another? Grey Wagtail.

A few more singing Chiffchaffs as we made our way around the park and we were back at the car park. Not a great deal to see in the fog, it was all about using your ears today. Forecast looks similar for the guided walk tomorrow. Meet outside the visitor centre at 9am BST. (Don't forget the clocks go forward tonight).

After Priory I headed up to Mowsbury Hillfort NR where I had at least 2 Chiffchaffs singing, 3 Mistle Thrushes, Yellowhammer and displaying Lapwings and this obliging Green Woodpecker.

Green Woodpecker

 

Community Tree Planting Event

Come and help us plant a Jubilee Hedge
Wear old clothes and sturdy footwear
Tree planting badges for children

When:
Tuesday 20th March 1pm to 3pm and Sunday 25th March 2pm to 4pm

Where:
Browns Wood, Twinwoods Road, Clapham

For further information please contact Jane on 01234 211182 or email prioryrangers@bedford.gov.uk