Patchwalk at ECP.

I have had a busy few days enjoying the continued sunshine including two visits to the coast which I'll post about later once I have sorted through the saved images. Yesterday (Monday) I made a brief mid morning visit to my local patch at Epsom Common to see if anything would pose for the camera.

 Blue Tit busily hunting for a late morning meal.

As on previous visits the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) males were very vocal as they tried to entice the females into their territories but only one male came out of hiding briefly and still wouldn't show me a decent side view!

My ears followed the scratchy calls and I finally added Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) to the year list. This particular individual was constantly being chased from a patch of bramble and hawthorn by a male Blackcap.

Singing its heart out was a Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) who again presented a challenge as it was perched some 45 feet above me! One day I might take the tripod with me to make my life easier.

 Back at the Stew Pond I thought better of asking the Grey Heron if it had a valid fishing permit.

One species can always be tempted into allowing a close portrait ... Mr. Canada Goose. One pair of Mandarin's were very frisky today and three other males watched in anticipation that her partner wasn't up to the task ... sorry no pics.

I also made a visit to Bookham Common and whilst trying to chase down some butterflies I heard another first for the year, a Cuckoo calling some distance away. With any luck I may get a sighting over the coming weeks but don't hold your breath for a close up photo!!    FAB.