THE WILDLIFE, FLORA AND FAUNA AT WINDMILL 

Dave Elliot, our regular Nature Notes contributor and well known ornithologist has been out spotting at the Fishery again this week. The Ravens have fledged and have now left the nest. A Kingfisher (left) has been a regular visitor on the Match Lake around 5.30am in the morning.

Meadow Pipets and a number Chaffinches and Bullfinches (right) are still here. He has even spotted a Snipe in the marshy ground and a Coot on the Specimen Lake. Two Canadian Geese (right) now have a "plump" of 7 young and are protecting them from all-comers. On the Specimen Lake the Mallards have paired up, the Moorehens are building their nests and a Mandarin Duck has taken residence.

A Common Sandpiper (left) has been visiting the Match Lake and a Green Sandpiper on the Carp Lake. Dave also reports that Chiffchaffs, small olive-brown warblers, can be seen flitting through the hedges. Sad to report that our cherished Barn Owl (right) has been killed by a passing car on the Westerleigh Road. 

Spring is here and the Orange Tipped butterfly is one of the first to emerge searching hedgerows and plants for food. The cuckoo flower is in abundance at the Fishery and is a favourite of the Orange Tip.