Spring Movement

Pre-Lockdown and a look back at my last visit to the North Norfolk coast. I guess it was early Spring, but things were starting to move about and birds were starting to pair up. There was more birdsong to be heard and some birds that had not been around these parts were seen again.
I saw a lot more deer on this visit, than during the warmer summer months.I even caught out a family of Roe Deer, as they quietly ate their breakfast. Showing that it does pay to get out early and also to be quiet. You'll never know what you won't have seen had you just been a little more cautious.

This looks like one of the young. 

These Oystercatchers were enjoying the rich pickings left by the retreating sea. This one with a small crab.

Ringed Plover were busy scuttling along the sand.

This Skylark was singing from the ground. More usually seen singing on the wing.

Tales of the Unexpected

Sometimes when you are out birding, you will come across something else that nature has to offer. Every now and again it trumps the birds that you went out to see. The other day this happened to me with the sighting of some Roe Deer.

It wasn't what I was expecting to see, but boy what a pleasure it was.



 

Mum and buck

Macclesfield Forest

The last day of my two week summer holiday started off as a stunningly bright and calm morning. I made my way to Macclesfield Forest to make the most of it. I wasn't disappointed, with plenty of activity and plenty of peace and quiet.
In terms of birds, I picked out a Spotted Flycatcher early on, then a Chiffchaff singing in the near distance. Quite late for these, but the sun seems to spur them on. I said earlier in the year that I get tired of the Chiffchaff song, but knowing that they will soon depart, made this one a little special.
The Whinchats were still around from the other day, along with plenty of Meadow Pipits and a Tree Pipit. I also got startled by a Roe Deer while I was sat out of view. It broke a twig as it stood up out of the long grass. The air was blue for a moment. A lovely animal though and fantastically wild.

Spotted Flycatcher

Tree Pipit

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Roe Deer that scared me just a little.

 

My, what big ears you have?