Great Eggspectations

 Easter Sunday dawned grey and quite cold and I spent most of the morning tackling some tasks in the garden. As the morning progressed and the sun began to peek out more frequently I decided to swap my shears for bins and head to Weldon. Happily for my weary feet the X4 was running today and saved me from having to trek down there.

Large White and Small Copper

A Reed Warbler was singing at the pond in the Woodland Park but I couldn't find much else in the area. From here I walked to the A43 pond where a small selection of the commoner wildfowl were present. In an area adjacent to the pond I had a check for butterflies in those spots that were sheltered from the persistent breeze. My first Large White of the year was followed by a year first Small Copper and I also saw a Large Red Damselfly which moved on before I could get a pic. Nearby I had decent views of only my second Holly Blue this year, other butterflies included Small and Green-veined White, Orange-tip and Peacock.

Spring bee selection.

I took a walk to Willowbrook Industrial Estate but couldn't find much to look at other than a male Brimstone and a singing Sedge Warbler. Returning to Weldon  I had another quick look at the pond in the Woodland Park before I caught my bus home. My efforts were rewarded by the sighting of my first Grass Snake of the year which was swimming in the pond presumably looking for frogs. After taking a few shots I had to leave as I had a family meal booked and couldn't hang around for much longer.

Orange-tip, Holly Blue and Grass Snake