Blue Skies Return.

Once again I think that Northamptonshire avoided the worst of this latest wintery spell compared with what I've seen on the telly. Walking along the lanes between Upper Benefield and Deenethorpe it was surprising how much green was on view. Lots of lambs out at the moment, not sure that they've enjoyed the last couple of days too much but they seemed lively enough.

Scenes from Benefield.

Tree Sparrows were seen at several points along the lane and they were also present around the barns near to Burn Coppice. Winter thrushes, mainly Fieldfares, were feeding on clearer areas in the company of Meadow Pipits while little coveys of Red-legged Partridges whirred away on panicked wings. Feeding with those sparrows around the barns was a large flock of Yellowhammers and smaller numbers of both Reed Buntings and Chaffinches.

Along the lane to Deenethorpe.

Deene Lake inflow was awash but still held at least half a dozen Snipe as well as a hundred plus Teal. On the main lake wildfowl numbers were low but at least eighteen Shelduck were feeding. I would imagine that any prospecting pairs have returned to the lake for the time being until the weather picks up. The farm ponds were very quiet with just a few Gadwalls keeping the regular Mute Swans company.

Deene Lake Inflow.

A Snipe was seen flying along Kirby Lane before it settled into one of the roadside fields. Not much else until the A43 pond at Weldon but even here was quiet. A single Mute Swan joined a Mallard, a Coot and a pair of Tufted Ducks, perhaps the pond froze during the cold snap. The Woodland Park was jam packed with pooches and although I found several Grey Wags along the stream there was not much else to report. Now is there any chance that Spring can finally begin?

Grey Wagtail before being flushed by mutts.