Easneye Estate and Amwell

A couple of Bramblings had been seen near the disused railway line past Watersplace Farm a short while back so I went up in search of them. Alas, the warmer weather seemed to have moved them on and apart from a few Chaffinch it was very quiet. The Raven's were quite active though, and clearly will be starting to breed very shortly. The usual suspects were present such as Red Kite, Pied Wagtail and a vocal Robin.

Further round over the more open farmland, there were a number of singing Skylarks, though too distant for photographs. Along a wide track, however there was a small flock of Yellowhammers, which were very flighty and did not allow a close approach, especially as there were a number of walkers.

Yellowhammer

In the same stretch of hedgerow a couple of Linnets put in a brief appearance.

Female Linnet

On to Amwell for a quick visit, and some practice at the Viewpoint with Gull flight shots.

Black-headed Gull and Common Gull.

Two of the local Egyptian Geese took up position right in front of the Viewpoint, first bathing and then resting up on the bank.

Egyptian Goose.ose

Two Egret species were present, firstly a confiding Little Egret which perched up to stretch and preen.

The stars of the show though remain the Great Egrets with their 1.7m wing span. Two birds at least were present, but four have been reported. How long will it be before they breed at Amwell?

 It's a hard life! Not sure if the Black-headed Gulls thought it was a threat, but from time to time they would harass it, keeping well clear of that bill!