Certainly a Good Friday with sunshine nearly all day and a light northerly breeze. A walk along the Strood Channel seawall was pleasant enough but few birds of note. The tide was coming in and the only waders on show were about 150 redshank, 5 black-tailed godwits, 30 curlew, 15 oystercatchers and a dozen grey plovers. One lone brent goose was all that remained of the big flock present all winter. One corn bunting flew off the seawall and flew across the Channel to Copt Hall, calling as it went. Single meadow pipit, male reed bunting and several linnets were the main small birds of note.Birds were generally thin on the ground and one little egret was finally glimpsed on Ray Island. For once a grey heron flying overhead managed to provide a better view than an egret. In the distance over Old Hall two marsh harriers soared in the warm conditions.
One peacock butterfly was seen coming onto the Island having flown over from Ray Island. In Firs Chase a small white butterfly was seen while the regular chiffchaff continues to sing, as did a second chiffchaff near the Firs Chase caravan site.
Some of the blackthorn bushes are smothered in white flowers.
We came across your facinating blog by chance. We walked round the island for the first time this year on Good Friday, we wonder if we passed each other! Your lovely photographs really capture the essence of our favorite side of the island.
ReplyDeletePleased to hear you like the essence of the photos. It is difficult trying to convey the remoteness of the area where it is just you and the wildlife - and maybe a sheep or two!
ReplyDeleteDougal