BIRD NEWS:576

There was something flitting by the pond - a wren! With the virus lockdown and precautions meaning I cannot get to any birding reserves or long distance hiking tracks, only the garden and local hikes house photograph opportunities for the time being - thakfully, there are numerous feathered friends in the yard, and some more exotic species on my local rambles.

One of the latest stars in my photos is the farmyard duck-goose living at Poacher's Pond, Swillage Lane. Here it is seen preening - and the fence posts can be seen as fence posts in this picture!! On my return homeward, it was accompanied by a mallard.

Meanwhile, in the front garden - a robin bops about the path. HERE is an article about the Bewick swans - though not specifically Silvertag and Orangetag.

& HERE is a link to a godwit cam.

Meanwhile, here at home, one of our woodpigeons has figured out how to get fed. It stands on the coffee room windowsill and taps the window - this means I spot it has come to visit me, go upstairs, and put seed on my bedroom windowsill....

The goldfinches have been seen around most days - anything from 1 to 4 in number. I expect this to increase over time, as more of them discover nyjer seed, fat balls, and sunflower hearts on offer. Mind you, on returing home one day last week, I spotted a red kite hovering right above our back yard - alas, it left by the time I dashed inside to grab my camera.

This shot shows that I went on another solo hike in the Angmering park woodland - as I pass the pond up Swillage Lane each time I trot off. 'Goggles' is preening in this shot.

This egg, assumedly a blackbirds, lay on the ground as I trotted on up Swillage Lane past the pond and first turn off.