Easter Sunday

Happy Easter from Charlotte's Pool!

It was lovely to hear the church bells ringing out from Friezland church this morning to celebrate Easter Day.

Most of the usual visitors were around today, and a couple of new ones. First, the mallsrds. Donald flew in on his own - I'm hoping that Betty is nesting in the far end of the pool area although I did notice some litter there as I walked past on my way out so if she is there I hope she isn't being disturbed. Later on, Bill and Ben dropped by but didn't stay too long.

A couple of wood pigeons had a bit of a squabble close to the English Ivy tree. I know there is a nest in there so I think that this was probably a 'back off' kind of argument. The wren was also very vocal today. I hear him on most visits but I've recently found out that wrens are polygamous and will construct 6-12 nests for their harem to choose from so he has a lot of territory to protect. Other small birds around today - the bullfinch, but just the male. I wonder if the female is nesting somewhere. Also a chaffinch which I identified by sound and then sight.

Two new visitors today, a pair of canadian geese.

I was going to call them Pinky and Perky but their subsequent behaviour made me change these names to Polly and Perky. They arrived with a great deal of squawking and a perfect photo shot which I missed, of course! They soon settled on the banking near Donald and directly opposite to my sitspot. I think that spot catches the sun which is why they chose it although I also think that Donald likes it there because Betty is nesting close by. That's my theory anyway.

One of the geese stayed standing in the water while the other one stood on the fishing stage. After a while I noticed that s(he) was stood on one leg. Apparently, this is because their legs get cold so they tuck them in close to their bodies to warm up! Later, they both got in the water and started swimming around. They then started dipping their necks into the water and splashing themselves. They got closer and closer together and it looked like they were playing at splashing each other - how cute! But then - you guessed it; Perky quickly hopped up on to Polly, gallantly holding her neck up out of the water with his beak, whilst he did the deed. It didn't last long but they both seemed quite satisfied.

Although, like the mallards, canadian geese are very common around here it is lovely to be able to watch their behaviours in this isolated setting.