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| Chatting with Peter |
A great day to do it with migration just starting and a lovely sunny day.
We started at the Bedzed Cafe with tea coffee and pastries, then it was off for the grand tour.
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| The landfill site |
Having been prevented from birding for the last three weeks (being a Virus Diva) it was great to get outdoors and look for any signs of migration. We did not have to wait long with Chiffchaff singing well right from the start, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Wheatear and Cetti's Warbler all adding to the spring sounds. Many Robin and Dunnock were heard throughout our visit and groups of Dunnock were seen on several occasions as they chased around in bramble bushes. With two Swans settled on nests, and lapwing calling and displaying it really felt like we had turned a seasonal corner.
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| Native shrub species doing well |
The different habitats at Beddington have largely come together by default, with three or more owners any changes are a challenge - this has actually helped to prevent too much change in the past -and let's hope that continues in the future, frustrating as it must be to try to get any cohesive management plan together.
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| Coltsfoot |
One of the most pleasing sights were the large patches of Coltsfoot giving a brilliant splash of bright yellow on this glorious day.
With Small Tortoiseshell and Comma, and Bee-fly to round off our day, it was time to go back to the cafe for a well-earned and very enjoyable lunch.
A heartwarming story of what can be achieved with dedication and determination from local people fighting for their wildlife.
Thanks to Peter for being an Oracle and those at the Cafe for their hospitality.
Read more about Beddington Farmlands here
(all photos from phone)
