Abbey Meadows

Abbey Meadows

Wednesday 16 April 2008

Early start


Wednesday 16th April 2008

Flicking through the blogs last night I noticed a Red breasted goose had been seen at East chevington over the last two days. So in anticipation of dipping out on a bird I have wanted to see for years I was at East Chevington at daybreak today.....and that is what exactly happened. I ended up searching the whole bay looking at every goose flock large and small but it looks like the RBG has moved on unless it was hiding in some hollow somewhere in the bay. No matter what time of year you come to Chevington there is always quality here. At this hour it was not surprising to see a Barn Owl huning along the field edge but a Marsh Harrier quartering the dunes and reedbeds brightened up a dull morning. A pair of Pintail were on the south pool but these flew off south soon after. There were hundreds of Sand Martins flying low over the north pool but no sign of other hirundines. The Otter was performing obligingly at Druridge pools but the battery on my camera was low so I couldn't take any pictures which is a pity because it was only a couple of metres from the hide. Then the rain came. On Sunday evening I took a photo of one of my favourite plants at this time of year Moschatel or Town hall clock. This was growing along the Mitford road. It isn't the sharpest of shots but it is always a pleasure to find these tiny plants.

4 comments:

ST said...

nice blog.
I like the regular plant ID, makes me want to learn more.

Stewart said...

Don't panic Nige, the goose is colour ringed...

Kingsdowner said...

Coincidentally, Moschatel is a flower that I've been hoping to see this spring.
Were these just by the roadside, or in shade?

abbey meadows said...

thanks st & bb It gave me a good excuse to go into the bay at first light as there is always plenty to see.
kingsdowner: These were growing under a hedge in full sun. At Stobswood I regularly came across these plants growing among the exposed roots of trees and in full shade in mixed woodland.