26th March 2011.....Slack period

Had a wander up "The Lodge", RSPB Headquarters, which is about 4 miles away by road. Had to shake off the red-wine cobwebs ! LESSER REDPOLL snapped through the glass of the "Hollywood" hide. Built quite a few years ago, very smart but much more restricted views than the one it replaced, impractical design all round, definitely built for appearance to impress the "Haddocks" on their one day summer excursions there. The ponds and surrounding areas are really good, as they are working to restore the old heathland. Soon there will be Nightjars and Woodlarks breeding there. Guaranteed !

Part of the old woodland at The Lodge.

The naturalised daffs will soon be replaced by a carpet of blue as the Bluebells come into bloom.

Lots of Treecreepers and Nuthatch here.

GARDEN MOTHS........The last few days have been really good on the weather front, with temperatures around 7 degress up to midnight and little or no wind. The traps have been on but apart from the usual Common Quakers, Hebrew Characters and Clouded Drabs the Spring arrivals don't seem to have arrived yet at The Dells. I did get my 3rd Early Thorn last night though. .............................................................................. EARLY THORN 1917Garden totals :- 401 moths (293 micro, 108 macro) of 27 species (17 macro, 10 micro)

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