River Wander 03.04.13

After a quick body snapping session at the physio I took a walk through Rushy Meads Reserve and along the River Stort to the new reserve at Thorley Wash. All looking good here, with much ground clearance therefore few birds due to recent heavy disturbance. I particularly enjoyed the sculptures that have recently appeared. A little concerned that where the grasshopper warblers used to be every June has been cleared and so does not offer the same cover as previously. Will have to wait and see if they turn up and stay this year.

dragonfly carving, Thorley Wash

owl carving, Thorley Wash

Lokking over the new scrape at Thorley Wash

Along the river I registered my 1st kingfisher of the year yr lister no: 135. Also, 5+ chiffchaff, one shown below along with a splendid male bullfinch and a singing siskin at Rushy Mead.

bullfinch

chiffchaff

same chiffchaff

singing siskin

Other birds of note were 6 jays, 1 common buzzard and plenty of regular finches. A pleasant but cold walk. The original plan had been to walk all the way back to the village, but the paucity of birds made me think it would be better to return to the car and pop down to Amwell.