SATURDAY 27th APRIL 2013

Dunstall Park

10.00 to 11.30, cold northerly wind, broken cloud, dry.

Keep your heads down, ducklings . .

Back to the northerlies, dead as a Dodo at Aldersley/Oxley and gloves-on time (again) at Dunstall Park.  A few foraging Crow on the central grass area, and at the lake three Barn Swallow hawking as a single Lapwing flip-flops over the island before disappearing.  Two Stock Dove drink from the margins, two Moorhen pick their way along the shoreline, a Pheasant calls from the oak copse near the Water Bridge, and a pair of Little Grebe swim through the spiked grass.  Suddenly, one of these engaging little birds shoots forward, pattering across the water and creating a bow wave as it slows, a diminutive power boat followed by its mate, both calling shrilly as they pursue another two of their kind in a territorial spat which eventually ends with each pair keeping a respectful distance on opposite sides of the lake.  To have one pair nesting (they last bred here 13 years ago) would be great.  To have two pairs breeding would be a first for the valley.  Let's hope there's room enough for all.  Our Mute Swan pair, feeding quietly close to the shore, have had things all their own way since they arrived early in the year, but today seems to be confrontation time all round, and within seconds of a third bird landing at the far end of the lake, they're powering their way through the water towards the newcomer, wings arched, white galleons at full sail and primed for action.  The dull-billed juvenile, aware of the oncoming threat, clambers up the grass bank to stand near the lake fence, preening as if unconcerned, but keeping a wary eye on the resident pair.  The stand-off lasts only for a few minutes, then one of the adults decides to settle the matter, climbs the bank and forces the youngster to take off, the sound of its wingbeats fading as it lifts, circles and finally flies heavily away towards the north west.  Our birds move back across the lake, wings still arched, still in control of their kingdom, and as one pushes the spiked grass aside there's an eruption of tiny bodies skittering across the surface, ten Mallard ducklings, moving from one bank of vegetation to the next, tiny clockwork toys shepherded by their mother.  They'll find food and shelter here, but there's danger too, suddenly four adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls come in over the water, one breaking off to swoop down towards the young ducks, the mother arching herself upwards to peck at the potential predator, which veers away to follow its companions as they head off towards their city nest areas.  A close shave, but it's been that kind of a day.  Good, therefore, to hear the gentle, descending notes of a Willow Warbler singing from canalside trees.  Close you eyes and it could be summer  . . .                

NB.  Dunstall Park is a restricted commecial site.  Access is strictly controlled.