Maple Lodge Nature Reserve

A much milder day with plenty of sunshine and a less chilling wind giving a more spring like feel to the afternoon. I made my way to Rotunda Hide where 2 singing male European Reed Warbler were present in the phragmites but still no sign of any Sedge Warbler. I then visited the new Teal Hide where a single Great-crested Grebe showed well as it fed on earthworms trapped in the muddy bed of the marsh. Then on to Lynsters Hide where 3 pairs of Greylag Geese were present with goslings. In the paddock 2 Garden Warbler sang with several Blackcap joining the chorus. A brief visit to Long Hedge Hide provided a brief view of a Eurasian Oystercatcher as if flew over heading north and a hybrid duck Mallard was noted with 9 ducklings.On returning to the clubhouse a Red Fox cub was briefly viewed as it trotted along the path near the approach to Teal Hide and a pair of displaying Orange Tip butterflies drifted past.

                                         Great-crested Grebe

                                          Orange Tip (male).

                                                         Red Fox (cub).