It was into the afternoon when we arrived, so we knew we would be restricted to one half of the reserve and we chose to walk the eastern side. We headed off toward Birchwood Pool and soon became aware of the glorious shades of blue and yellow smiling up at us from the Field Forget Me Not that was all around us on the southern footpath.
Arriving at the viewing screen opposite the island on Birchwood Pool, we were reminded of the extraordinary wet spring we had endured, as we noticed the Canada Geese nesting well up into the vegetation whereas last year they were almost a metre below on a narrow but dry shoreline.
Further on and into Birch Wood, we came across a Chiffchaff carrying nesting material and it soon led us to the location of the nest. We positioned ourselves in a half-hidden position to watch the comings and goings. PK guessed that it was going to be a long delay but she warmed to the industrious bird once I explained that it was the female that did the nest building! We watched her for some considerable time, amazed at how she navigated her way through the thorny scrub to the nest buried deep within, yet always emerged unscathed to continue the search for materials.
We eventually moved on and completed our circuit, taking in many more sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful place. We ended at the feeder station where the usual species fed on the abundance of seed. But no Woodpecker today... PK must be losing her mojo!
Mrs Chiffchaff, a very industrious bird
Moore is a great place to see my favourite Little Grebe
Todays species (order as seen): Mistle Thrush, Crow, Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Wren, Coot, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Canada Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Wood Pigeon, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Cormorant, Robin, Great Tit, Blackcap, Jay, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting and Blue Tit.
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