Clifton 25th February

Following reports that a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker had been seen near the churchyard at the top of clifton grove, I got the bus on saturday morning to the area, for a couple of hours' birding before i went to work.

Sadly, i didn't catch up with the lesserpecker, but it had been seen, it seems it just made itself scarce for when i was there! However, i did have a very productive walk and the sunshine really made it feel as if spring was in the air!

I walked across the top of the grove, where loads of birds were singing loudly. Dunnocks, Great tits and Chaffinches made up most of the chorus, but there were a few Greenfinch, Song Thrush and various others chipping in. Walking down the grove i noted 5 Goldcrests in seperate locations, one i observed feeding within 2 metres of me, hovering from branch to branch in a horse chestnut, seemingly oblivious to my presence. Again, sadly... NO CAMERA!!

I scanned the tree tops for some time around the car park and churchyard but couldn't place the woodpecker, although on the way i had seen 3 of its Greater Spotted relatives! I wandered down the hill to the riverside paths, noting a Coal Tit, and the 6th Goldcrest of the day. More birdsong filled the woods as i progressed onto the weir field. There was nothing of interest on the river, but walking across the fields produced 4 Skylark, two of which were busy pouring their beuatiful sounds down upon from the heavens. My first singing skylarks of the year, and how awesome they are!

With time pressing on, I finished off by walking round Holme Pit and on the way i flushed 2 Grey Partridge, an uncommon bird in this part of the area. A Little Grebe was heard at the pond, before being located close to the reeds, and an invisible Water Rail was also noted, squealing from within the vegetation. Wildflowers were just poking through, with the ubiquitous Dogs Mercury adding a splash of green to the woodland floor, along with patchy clumps of Snowdrop and a few leaves of Cuckoo Pint. The weather and the wildlife, especially the singing Skylarks, made it feel very much like spring. Bring on the butterflies and migrants birds!!!