Making the most of the last dry day according to the forecast
went to Wilstone reservoir and took the
footpath from the west corner
towards the Aylesbury arm of the Grand Union canal. Again more
butterflies seen before reaching the canal including peacock,
tortoiseshell and more orange tip. Turned right along the towpath
towards the Grand Union and found the path blocked for a while by a
heron.
Sedge warblers singing on the opposite side of the canal and
mainly well hidden but one showed itself as it returned from a short
display flight.
Freshly turned out suckler cows were busy grazing and by
the bellowing of the cows left inside they were not happy.
Carried on
along the canal until we reached the Bluebell café at Startop's End
reservoir passing many narrow boats both moored and on the move.
Passed a
lesser black-backed gull on Tringford reservoir.
Soon after watched a
male blackcap with nesting material and a female appeared in the same
area. The highlight of the day was on Wilstone where a pair of great
crested grebe were performing their dancing courtship ritual. The pair
started to call to each other then swam towards each other with a series
of dance moves with head bobs and shakes.
More calls and then they both
dived and surfaced with vegetation in their beaks and rushed towards
each other across the surface of the water, paddling frantically.
Amazing to watch and so close. Stewart.
Images Copyright : Stewart Dennis.
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