The two oystercatchers at Frampton Court lake

At lunchtime I checked the weather forecast for the next few days and saw that strong winds and lots of rain is predicted. I immediately decided to go for a walk at Frampton Court lake having got the water bug again yesterday. Cherington Lake is more like a pond in comparison to Frampton's large expanse and consequently there was very little wildlife on show there.

The sun was shining burt the cloud increased steadily and a gentle breeze. I enjoyed just standing watching birds everywhere. A Great Crested Grebe swam in the distance. Cormorants sat very high in beech trees on the two islands between occasional flights around the lakes. Greylag geese swam and then walked ashore to graze on the meadows. 

Thirty swans were quite hostile, probably part of the spring mating rituals. Last years cygnets seem to have finally booted out of the family ands were venturing on their own for the first time. coots swam and dived, mallards paraded in line astern convoys. A few geese flew low over me to land on the far meadows. A large flock of redwings flew right over the lake and onwards.

As I was preparing to leave I heard the lovely distinctive calls of two oystercatchers which seem to be preparing to roost on the island. they flew from the meadows and did two circuits of the lake before coming in to land on the island where they usually bring up their young, safe from the dangers of predatory foxes..On the edge of the lake was a pile of white feathers which seemed to indicate their likely presence. I took this picture as they made their final approach.