The much talked about/sought after tawny owl was on show again all day today with various people coming to see it having heard how regular it is (for where to look, see my description in the comments of the preceding “Pull the otter one” blog).
To avoid disappointment for anyone making a special effort to get here and expecting fabulous views thought I’d post a picture:
So, see that vaguely owl shaped blob in the middle of the frame? That’s it – digi-scoped this afternoon and to be fair to myself I haven’t seen pictures much better taken by visitors with decent kit so there’s my gauntlet to our readers: if you have taken a better picture you are happy to share feel free to email it in with permission for us to blog it to blashfordlakes@hiwwt.org.uk !
Other exciting wildlife news from a little earlier in the week was the first reports of a bat flying over the centre car park. Last spring we were treated to fantastic views of up to three soprano pipistrelle over the centre and Woodland Hide from mid-afternoon onwards so hopefully we can look forward to more of the same this year. Thank you to Lauren Bissell for a) sharing the sighting with us and b) sending in pictorial proof (far better than my owl I’m pleased to say!):
The kingfisher are still hammering the centre pond newt population – for a good chance of seeing it through the classroom window whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and slice of cake come along to the Pop up Cafe which is open in the centre again tomorrow…
And finally, thank you to Sue Marshall for her lovely feedback and a selection of the images that she took following Bobs guided walk on Thursday:
“I went on my 3rd walk yesterday at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve and yet again I got an image of a Bird that is new to me… I love these walks and the information that Bob Chapman gives out is just amazing! I don’t know how he remembers it all, he is like knowledge on legs! When I attended the February walk I saw and got my very first image of a Cetti’s Warbler and yesterday was truly amazing.. I saw and got my very first image of a Sparrowhawk, neither of which would I have seen if I had not been on Bobs walk, I am looking forward to attending more.. thank you” :
Thank you Sue!
Bobs next walk is “Signs of Spring”, 2-4pm on 16th March – booking (on 01425 472760) essential!
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 
I am booked on already.. I am very much looking forward to it.. I really do absolutely love them. thank you for using my images too 🙂
Thank you for sharing them – I’m sure everyone is enjoying your pictures far more than my effort! Jim
Wow it will be a long time before I see better captures than Sue’s especially the sparrowhawk.