Orange-tip

An Orange-tip butterfly on the station this morning was a welcome sight. This early flying species usually shows up earlier in the year but has no doubt been delayed by the cold spring weather.  Also a couple of Small White butterflies and a calling Blackcap nearby.

Flowers of note included some Nipplewort near the arches and the Tuberous Comfrey growing in its usual place along Station Road.

Nipplewort

Tuberous Comfrey

A shortened ramble around St Andrews Park this morning and with just three of us in attendance. The highlight was good views of a couple of Goldcrests. The full list as follows:
Starling - one searching for and carrying food suggests a nest nearby
Blackbird - several feeding on the grass and lots of song heard
Goldcrest - one hear singing near the park-keepers compound and two seen at the top of the park - they may have had a nest in a  conifer in a nearby garden
Goldfinch - a few singing
Chaffinch - song heard
Dunnock - one near the bowling club
Woodpigeon - several
Collared Dove - one or two
Robin - at least one gave good views
House Sparrow - several heard in neighbouring gardens

A couple of Speckled Wood butterflies were basking n the meadow area and a Syrphus hoverfly was seen on the wildlife hedge. Tadpoles were evident in the pond.

Speckled Wood

Syrphus hoverfly

Tadpoles