Grip backs and year ticks

The beauty of working a local patch is that birds which would not usually excite can be the highlight of a visit. So it proved last weekend on the 5th when, having been slightly gripped by Mike having a Brent Goose the previous day on his patch, what was presumably the same bird put in an appearance on Down Level - patch tick - excellent! Also on Down was a second Blackwit of the spring, a more summer plumaged individual than the one seen on the 4th, and a Red Fox. Moth trapping in the week has seen little variety with the regulation Hebrew Characters, Common Quakers, and Early Greys' trapped in very small numbers. While the weather has been pleasantly spring like during the day, the temperatures overnight have been quite low which probably explains the low numbers.
Today (12th) dawned light and bright encouraging me to get the wheels out. Cycling along the lanes is the best way to get around the levels, the low hum of tyre on tarmac enabling you to listen and look whilst covering more ground than by foot alone in the usually limited time available. The usual hedgerow residents were all in good voice this morning with the added bonus of a singing Willow Warbler near Rickney. When it comes to bird song this has always been top of the pile for me ever since first hearing the descending cadence of notes, reminiscent of the trickle of water in a brook, whilst walking in the high weald as a ten year old.
At Rickney half a dozen or so Swallows were on the wing and in song, their curious mix of whistles, clicks, and chirps a happy reminder that spring is well and truly under way, and on Down Level further evidence of spring in the form of a couple of visually opulent Yellow Wagtail their shrill calls penetrating the cool breeze with strident ease.
Of the residents my first Mute Swan nest of the year was under construction near Downash today and the first brood of Mallard duckling was seen on Down on the 5th with 6 day or so old duckling. On the butterfly front Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell were on the wing on White Dyke this morning although no sign as yet of any Orange tips despite Cuckoo flower being in bloom - maybe later today...