Spring Sunday at Branton

Wildfowl were fewer on number but none the less enjoyable for it. All in finest breeding plumage and Goldeneye males displaying is a treat no matter how many times you observe it. All the duck were looking wonderful, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Goosander and a single male Pochard.

 A single Kingfisher came charging across the pond as we approached the first screen, calling loudly, a second bird could also heard.

 All around the ponds, particularly Branton, birds could be heard in full song, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Reed Bunting and Mistle Thrush. A distant Great Spotted Woodpecker could be heard drumming. A pair of Siskin were feeding on one of the paths near the car park, they were quite approachable too, the male was gorgeous, green, lemon and black.

A Peregrine flew in from inland and perched on one of the pylons for a few minutes. It seemed to sun itself and survey the area before flying off lazily back up the valley.