First Blackcap of Spring - Broomfield Track 01/04/20

I haven't been able to have my usual daily exercise walk for a couple of days so it was nice to be able to head round on the now familiar circuit. A Chiffchaff was singing away from its usual spot and a Jay exploded out of the hedge above me. I could hear a bird making a fairly strange call and it turned out to be a second Jay. I have not heard one make that call before. All the usual were busily either feeding or singing. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was loudly drumming. I was very pleased to hear my first Blackcap (101) singing of the spring and showed that at least one bird had come in since my last visit. I couldn't manage to get a photo as I struggled to focus through the leaves but it was lovely to hear its song once again.

Bee-flies were once again very active as I carried on and some Peacock butterflies fluttered up from the path as I made my way down to the bottom path. Here I came across another Blackcap singing alongside the bottom path. I could not manage much of a photo but was pleased to have a memory shot.

male Blackcap

A little further on a male Chaffinch was singing away and then pausing to check the effect. As it moved out into the open the light just caught in its eye.

male Chaffinch

A Comma butterfly was sunning itself and further along a couple more were reacting to the presence of 2 Peacock butterflies.

Comma Butterfly

Another singing Blackcap peeped out at me as I passed. I really enjoed hearing their song today.

male Blackcap

I finished the walk with a lovely view of a Long-tailed Tit as it landed above me.

Long-tailed Tit

Birds seen this visit included: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin, 5 Blackbird, 2 Jay, Blue Tits, Great Tits, 3 Dunnock, House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Wood Pigeons, 2 Common Buzzard, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Rooks, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Pheasant, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Blackcap, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Kestrel, Skylarks, 8 Linnet