Our native amphibians are very active now, despite the cold weather. Today at Castle Water there were Great Crested Newts displaying and laying eggs (in the picture I think she is folding the leaves with hind legs while laying an egg). The Marsh Frogs, introduced from Hungary in 1930’s, are only occasionally seen in early Spring, and will not be calling for a few more weeks yet.
These tiny white flowers are in full bloom now on short, dry grassland. This is later than usual because of the earlier dry and cold weather. The 4 white petals are deeply divided giving the appearance of 8, but it is a Crucifer (cabbage) and they all have 4 petals. Some seedpods are developing, and when ripe will form a tiny (3mm long) transparent membrane, much like Honesty. Linnets will soon be feeding on these tiny seeds.
A Short-eared Owl found yesterday evening was still present this morning and continuing the wintery feel were two Redwing, 23 Lesser Redpoll and a Brambling.
Yesterday, a light scattering of migrants included 2 Willow Warbler, a singing Firecrest, 6 Swallow and 50 Siskin. Duck numbers have gradually decreased but 6 Pintail, 22 Wigeon and 40 Teal can still be found on the scrape and at Carters flood. Two sunbathing Grass Snakes were disturbed in the afternoon.
On the Wader Pool this morning, 2 Avocet, 2 Little Egret and 20 Dunlin. A Common Tern was at Ternery Pool. Short-eared Owl gave good views hunting on Harbour Farm (and later one was seen at Castle Water). A Sedge Warbler was again singing along Narrow Pit.
