Still very quiet everywhere so time for a slow saunter around Fingringhoe Wick and Abberton. At Fingringhoe only 5-6 Nightingales were singing very spasmodically, and none showing in the fully leafed trees. I therefore made my way down to Kits Pond armed with my macro to try for some insects.
There were a few dragonflies and damselflies on the wing but nowhere near as many as I had expected. The dragonflies, up to four in number, were all Hairy Dragonflies but due to the warm air were in no mood to settle. I did see just one Large Red Damselfly, but all the others were Azure Damselflies. The only other insect was a 7-Spot Ladybird.
On to the Kingfisher Hide where a Muntjac had come down for a drink. Also a steady stream of Shelducks were coming in to take advantage of the the fresh water for a bath. This resulted in some rivalry and the inevitable clashes.
A pair of Little Grebes were closely guarding their chicks which were still young enough to be in their humbug plumage.
Just one yard away from their nest was a Mute Swan sitting on eggs which had been joined by an interloper. Because instead of a grey cygnet was a green gosling, probably a Greylag Goose. The Mute Swan didn't seem to mind.
Anyway, enough excitement for one day so now on to Abberton. A quick look at Billets Farm produced Corn Bunting and Yellow Wagtail, but both too distant for a photo. However, a pair of Sky Larks did provide a couple of shots.
On the Layer Breton causeway I was reminded of the Egyptian Goose that I found nesting about 50 feet up up a tree on the island behind the weir. Here is the photo I took at the time.
Well today there were a pair of Egyptian Geese close to the weir with a single cygnet which I like to believe was a survivor of that 50 feet drop on to land. It certainly looked no worse the wear.
A Great Crested Grebe put in an impromptu appearance.
Along the banks a single Pied Wagtail was strutting his stuff, but was no match for the pair of Yellow Wagtails that put in a brief appearance.
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