27.3.08

Finally got out and about today, I went to Wareham Forest in the afternoon, it was surprisingly warm, a nice change from the recent weather.
The heath was surprisingly quiet, a few Meadow Pipits and Stonechats but no Dartford Warblers. There were a couple of noisy male Pheasants calling and doing their wing flapping display.
There were some large groups of Wood Ants around, swarming over their nest sites, I was also very pleased to find a Minotaur Beetle walking across one of the paths, it's the first time I've seen one and they're impressive beetles.




On the lake there were Mallards, Tufted Ducks and one nice summer plumaged Little Grebe.
There was one Common Lizard basking on a log, only the second reptile I've seen this year. Also, under another log were 3 very small Newts, probably Palmate.
A flock of Fieldfares were still around and there were Coal Tits and Goldcrests in the pine trees. Next I noticed a small flock of finches flitting around in the top of a Pine, there were a couple of Goldfinches, but most exciting were 8 Lesser Redpoll. I've wanted to see these for a while so it was very nice to finally catch up with them.
Unfortunately I didn't manage any good shots, this is the best I got


Back at home the Peregrines are still active, they're spending a lot of time on pylons, but they have been flying over the house occasionally.