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| Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) |
Monday May 1st 2017 - Dalton Crags 0900hrs to 1030hrs
At least two further GARDEN WARBLERS arrived in Lower Dalton and both in beautiful song. Whilst one of them put a good viewing show on as well, although it did not know I was watching it because if was part way down the scrubby tree and thought it was camouflaged by being almost hidden behind other branches, but I could make it out! and what a little beauty it was.... (thank you GW). Also another Tree Pipit has arrived so now we have at least three singing on territory in Dalton and I believe (thanks to Robert) another two at the top of Lancelot.
I am already getting excited because this afternoon we are going over the far side of the Dalton Hall Estate to check whether or not the Common Redstarts are back and also to check out the Tree Pipits around Newclose and Majors Nursery.
Friday April 28th 2017 - Dalton Crags 0900hrs to 1000hrs
Just a single Garden Warbler arrived near to Plain Quarry and this was very reserved with not much singing at present. Still awaiting up to four more singing birds to come in and then it will be time to go and do a check on the Common Redstart! Just been told from a good source that a CUCKOO was present and calling in the main street of YEALAND (wooded side) on Thursday last (27th)
Thursday April 27th 2017 - Lower Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT) and thereabouts 1400hrs to 1600hrs "Bang On"
Well I bet there was a large "fall" of the little beauties last night because I had one while walking along Slape Lane on my way out, then I was lucky enough not just to hear but to see as well at its usual site in Lower Lancelot Clark Storth (CWT), and if that was not enough I had the pleasure to hear a couple more on my way back on Vicarage Lane. Also told Swifts are coming into the Country in their hundreds and will be with us soon!
Garden Warbler arrivals past history at Hutton Roof are:
4 on 27th April 2017, 2 on 23rd April 2016, 1 on 26th April 2015, 1 on 27th April 2014, 1 on 27th April 2013, 1 on 25th April 2012 and 6 on 22nd April 2011. So from these accounts APRIL 27th seems a very popular arrival date
If you want to hear the call of the Garden Warbler click on the arrow below:
I had this little beauty below as well. In fact I was taking a photo of a settled Speckled Wood when right at the side came along this lovely large red damsel fly which allowed me to take a photo. Besides the SW I also had a Peacock and another male Orange Tip.
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| Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) Click over to enlarge |
I could not resist taking photos of the Bluebell/Wood Anemone Woods and also noticed along the way in flower Wood Avens and Bugle and quite a few of the rare Spring Cinquefoil, also Herb Paris. Also the rare Birds Foot Sedge is probably showing at its best which is very early by a week or more.
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| The beautiful rare Spring Cinquefoil |
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| Birds Foot Sedge (Carex Ornithopodia) also see photo below Click over to enlarge |
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| Birds Foot Sedge (Carex Ornithopodia) Click over to enlarge Now if you viewed it in about 2 weeks time you will find several of the flowerheads like this. With bird talons - hence "Birds Foot" |
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| Bluebells and Wood Anemone (Click over to enlarge) |
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| Herb Paris - Click over to enlarge Indicator of Ancient Woodland |