Blackthorn and the demise of an Otter

A warm sunny day (max 15 degrees) and the first blackthorn blossom has ventured out in the hedgerow along the south side of Hornsea Mere. The blossom appears on naked twigs and branches well before the leaves come out.

Blackthorn blossom

In second field there was a sad sight - a dead Otter. There were no signs of it being shot or attacked by dogs so it was a mystery as to what caused its death. I've no reason to believe any suspicious circumstances were involved but I reported it to the local Wildlife Crime officer just in case.

A visit to the hide at Wassand was pretty quiet as usual at this time of the year, but 3 Cetti's Warblers singing close to the hide gave me something to try and locate, but although there were fleeting glimpses I had no chance of getting a photo.

A Treecreeper appeared on the alder right next to the hide but because I had the long lens on my camera it was too close to focus on! I had to wait until it went further up the tree before I could get a pic.

Treecreeper

The Marsh Harriers were out and about again and one of the females was battling against a strong headwing when trying to land in the reed bed.

Female Marsh Harrier soaring