Wind and Rain and a Few More Miles

March to date - 7 miles
Year to date - 331 miles

The weather continues to be windy, rainy and cold as storm follows storm. The footpaths are awash and the Mere water level is still very high, but dropping gradually.

The pair of Oystercatchers that usually arrive to breed here are back already and can be found on KP most mornings.

Oystercatcher off KP going towards Swan Island

Another pair of birds that aren't usually seen at the Mere flew past Decoy hide going east - two Egyptian Geese.

Egyptian Geese

A walk around the Mere this Sunday morning was a bit cold and windy, and wet of course...

Footpath under water on Seaton Road

wellies required

Needs a bit of tlc and the ditch digging out

Another section under standing water

The hide at Decoy is still above water thank goodness. This view is from the north along Seaton Road, but the hide is approached from the south through the wood. The Mere gets in the way from this side :)

The undergrowth in the wood is now at its lowest after the ravages of winter. Several plants are coming through the leaf litter though, including nettles, bluebells and violets.

Violet sp. - could be Sweet or Dog

Woodland walk to Decoy hide

Great Spotted Woodpeckers were active in the wood, calling and drumming from all sides.

All through the wood there are trees covered in ivy. Some has been cut off at ground level to prevent further growth and this leaves nice shapes on the trunks. Good insect habitat too.