WMBC Ladywalk Reserve

It must be over a year since I have visited Ladywalk, Coleshill so I decided this would be my destination for today. However, this would depend on a little investigation of the fields around Stretton under Fosse, where a report of a "possible" Common Crane had been made. I decided to drive past on the M6, quickly scan the fields and if a potential Crane was seen, I would abort my journey and walk the footpaths from Stretton under Fosse. When I arrived in the area, I slowed a little and cast a glance into the fields below the M6, where I spotted two large grey birds. Unfortunately, they were not Cranes but Emu / Ostrich species, probably farmed nearby. Ah well, on to Ladywalk.

Brambling

Arriving at Ladywalk, and negotiating the codes for the new gate, I decided to walk the new perimeter path, in a clockwise direction. Nothing too exciting but it was nice to hear the varied birdsong after the bleak days of winter. Spring is arriving fast! The car park feeders held several Lesser Redpolls with at least thirteen at the Sainsbury Hide feeders, together with one male Brambling, one Willow Tit, and a persistant male Sparrowhawk flying through three times and scattering the various finches and buntings on the feeders. The water held the expected waterfowl with at least fifteen Goosander and a sleepy pair of Pintail and a solitary Oystercatcher called from the islands. The river had several more Goosander and a single Grey Wagtail. A distant Buzzard circled over Coleshill and as I locked the gate a Peregrine flew over. In all, a pleasant if dull morning with a cooling breeze.

I'm not happy! They're MY nuts!

Teal

Goosander

Grey Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

Goldfinch

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Todays Sightings:

Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Lesser Redpoll; Bullfinch; Reed Bunting; Wood Pigeon; Dunnock; Chaffinch; Magpie; Robin; Grey Heron; Wren; Coot; Mallard; Gadwall; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Pheasant; Willow Tit; Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; Lapwing; Shoveler; Moorhen; Wigeon; Teal; Mute Swan; Jackdaw; Great Crested Grebe; Rook; Dabchick; Pochard; Oystercatcher; Goosander; Black Headed Gull; Kestrel; Pied Wagtail; Pintail; LBB Gull; Grey Wagtail; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Greenfinch; Brambling; Sparrowhak; Peregrine; Buzzard.