Spring in The Brecks

18th April 2024

Now into the second half of April so time to go and see the spring arrivals in The Brecks. It was great to hear so much bird song and see my first Orange-tip butterfly of the year.

As for most sites this year the Chiffchaffs were out in force, and they particularly like the new plantations.

Managed to grab this one just before it flew off.

And now for some of the Brecks specialities. The Tree Pipits were back in force although are tricky to photograph as they normally announce their presence from the top of a tree.....................

....................although do sometimes come down a bit lower.

The Wood Larks were also in full voice and were in song flight high above. Just a matter of seeing where they land, where they often continue to sing.

But then everyone's favourite, the Crossbills. There was a flock of about 10 birds feeding high in the pines on the cone seeds. These seeds are very dry and therefore the birds have to come down regularly to drink. Luckily under the pines was a muddy puddle, so it just a matter of choosing the right angle and waiting.

Crossbills are very early breeders and therefore possible to see the stripey younsters in April.

The females are a more uniform green.

But the males are an amazing red or orangey-red. This male was keeping look-out over the flock while they were going down to drink....................

.......................and then having his turn.

Many of the birds were orangey-red with a hint of green and I suspect these were second calendar (2CY) year males.

What a fantastic day and I look forward to visiting The Brecks at this time of year every year.