Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies

Today I went on a bird walk in Staveley led by Nigel, our local outdoors expert, and Robert, a dedicated naturalist. After a rather cool and gray weekend, today turned out to be rather hot and sunny. Nice weather for sunbathers but not so for bird watchers. Nigel and Robert stated that this is migrating season and a day like today is perfect for traveling, which is what most of the birds must have been doing as they weren't hanging about in Staveley. Even so, we did tick off quite a few species on our list, including: kestrel, lapwing, little grebe, great crested grebe, grey heron, pochard...and our crowning achievement...a kingfisher! I was amazed at the huge flocks of lapwings that flew overhead. And today was the first time I was able to get a good enough look at the crest of the lapwing. Nigel and Robert also explained that this time of year you will not hear much birdsong. Breeding season is over so the birds don't need to attract mates with their song. The only birdsong you will hear this time of year is that of the robin. We also took time to examine butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, fish, trees and wildflowers.