Took Nain for an afternoon walk along the Medway from Hartlake Bridge. It was cool to start with and got colder and breezier as the afternoon went on, but wasn't any more than slightly uncomfortable. We looked at the plaques memorialising the Hoppers Tragedy, and commented on the substantial flow of the Medway which is also quite wide at several points below the bridge. I also noted the irrigation abstraction pipe, and mobile pumping station, presumably being used in the strawberry poly tunnels just to the South of the river
There was at least one Whitethroat in the hedge below Hartlake Farmhouse, possibly two. They have probably only arrived from Africa in the last week or so, and are already established in suitable habitat for them. Interesting on the most suitable size of hedges for Whitethroats! We heard at least one more on the Southern side of the river by East Lock, and it would be interesting to know how many territories there are here. Several Mallard were on the river which we unfortunately disturbed , a possible Blackcap in the woods on the Southern side. Several Magpie were galumphing about, Wood-pigeons and rooks/crows flew over, and one kestrel made a failed hunting attempt along the earthed-up banks.
Nice to hear the Skylarks on the large field between Hartlake and East Lock. There were several, chortling away throughout the walk. I saw two fluttering against the wind, quite low.
We had a bit of a look at the pair of pillboxes by the East Lock, and Nain had a good sit down on the fallen tree before we started back. We didn't get as far as examining the lock in any detail, but I described the canoe portage platforms, the fish climb, and the canoe slide. Sadly no Wagtails were seen, but perhaps its still too early.
Other birds along the way included a couple of Blackbirds and Robins and at least one Chaffinch singing, I thought I heard a Chiff-chaff but it could have been a Great Tit. A pheasant and a Green Woodpecker called. Several Black-headed Gulls flew over. We also saw about a dozen Mute Swans on the field on the Southern side of the river just upstream of Hartlake where I parked the car.
Plants seen included Cuckoo Flower, Tansy, Medick and Meadowsweet in leaf, the Cow Parsley just coming into flower, Red Dead Nettle, White Dead Nettle, Tufted Vetch and Crosswort in full flower. Plenty of flies, Bumble Bees and other insects on the wing
There was at least one Whitethroat in the hedge below Hartlake Farmhouse, possibly two. They have probably only arrived from Africa in the last week or so, and are already established in suitable habitat for them. Interesting on the most suitable size of hedges for Whitethroats! We heard at least one more on the Southern side of the river by East Lock, and it would be interesting to know how many territories there are here. Several Mallard were on the river which we unfortunately disturbed , a possible Blackcap in the woods on the Southern side. Several Magpie were galumphing about, Wood-pigeons and rooks/crows flew over, and one kestrel made a failed hunting attempt along the earthed-up banks.
Nice to hear the Skylarks on the large field between Hartlake and East Lock. There were several, chortling away throughout the walk. I saw two fluttering against the wind, quite low.
We had a bit of a look at the pair of pillboxes by the East Lock, and Nain had a good sit down on the fallen tree before we started back. We didn't get as far as examining the lock in any detail, but I described the canoe portage platforms, the fish climb, and the canoe slide. Sadly no Wagtails were seen, but perhaps its still too early.
Other birds along the way included a couple of Blackbirds and Robins and at least one Chaffinch singing, I thought I heard a Chiff-chaff but it could have been a Great Tit. A pheasant and a Green Woodpecker called. Several Black-headed Gulls flew over. We also saw about a dozen Mute Swans on the field on the Southern side of the river just upstream of Hartlake where I parked the car.
Plants seen included Cuckoo Flower, Tansy, Medick and Meadowsweet in leaf, the Cow Parsley just coming into flower, Red Dead Nettle, White Dead Nettle, Tufted Vetch and Crosswort in full flower. Plenty of flies, Bumble Bees and other insects on the wing
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