π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Wednesday 17th April 2024 9C ~ Wind N @ 9MPH ~ Even with the sun shining the weather can be quite deceptive up here and when a biting northerly breeze blows the temperatures can plummet. So for me, it's still a hat & gloves.
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| Newly arrived Willow Warbler |
A few visits to my local Dalmadilly Ponds over the past few days and finally things are starting to happen with a good influx of
Willow Warblers, seven singing birds counted today.
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| Male Blackcap from today. |
Blackcaps on the other hand are a little lighter in numbers with just a pair seen during today's visit. I dropped in yesterday briefly after my trip to the Cabrach and the east pool had (17)
Sand Martins and a couple of
Swallows but just a single
Sand Martin today.
Chiffchaffs continue to sing, (4) birds during my visit and there are at least 3 pairs of
Little Grebes, which hopefully will nest but I fear that the regular wild swimmers who now frequent the pools might put pay to that.
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| East Hide |
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| East Hide |
After 4 years of living here, I am still unsure whether these ponds were formed by the local quarry for nature or leisure purposes. There are two substantial hides present, but unfortunately, they remain locked. Even if they were accessible, they wouldn't be of much use since the paths run in front of them, and dog walkers wander freely with dogs often swimming in the pools. It won't be long before the rubber dingies are out too!
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| Roe Deer |
During my walk, I tried to capture a quick photo of a Roe Deer hiding in the thicket. The deer looked like it had been damaged at some stage in the past, but it looked sprightly enough and bolted as soon as it saw me. Also of note today was a
Red Kite, which drifted at height to the north.
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| A Willow Warbler with attitude! |
