Back from the Fens

Lambing in full swing at Sherborne

Early peacock in the sun

What is this and where is the plug

Weather sunny but fresh in Norfolk for my brief visit to pick up my new car and on the return journey I enjoyed a relaxing visit to Welney wetland centre where Marsh Harriers, lapwings, Avocets and Oyster catchers were amongst the birds on view. Missed seeing the hares who like the birds were breeding early this season.

As I also missed my normal Sherborne duties this week couldn't resist a visit to the Sherborne water meadows this Saturday and with the warmest weather of 2014 wasn't disappointed with the wildlife on show. Got off to a good start from Northfields car park with 3 red kites play fighting in the sky above the Broadwater with a buzzard looking down on them with interest. Couldn't mistake that spring is well underway as I took 'Sabrina way' down to the water meadows and witnessed lots of healthy young lambs in the upper pastures. Nearing Century wood five more Red Kite were flying in and around Picardy. Decided to take a right and head over to the Birches via the Gravel pits and discovered some freshly installed Solar panelled water pumps. Ground still soaked but navigable and the Sherborne brook running full hence the 'vortex' of water above. Although the 'lake' in the pasture by the brook and Birch copse had almost disappeared there were plenty of gulls along with a few lapwings. Disturbed a magnificent male stag with impressive antlers in Birch copse on my way to the bridge to allow me access to the river windrush. On a pleasant walk alongside the windrush was accompanied by brimstones, peacocks and tortoise shells plus plenty of bees! Again managed to disturb a couple of snipe,  spotted a reed bunting and then a tree creeper.  Was hoping to spot a hare or two as I wandered towards the 'hyde' area but was content with spotting a heron, a pair of canada geese and cormorants, 2 more buzzards, and a watchful sparrowhawk perched in one of the mature oaks.

Surprised that not more people were out on such a fine day but suits me and although not a rare sight it was good to see a number of chaffinches on show on my return back to Northfields. It was all about the lambs today though, how can you not be lifted by their presence.