Lockdown Diary: Wednesday 20.5.20

I suppose it is because I have got used to having Ferry Meadows CP almost to myself that it comes as a shock when cycling into the park at a leisurely 7am, today, the whole place seemed to be heaving with people. Golfers were playing on the adjacent golf course, the car parks were half full and dog-walkers, fishermen and walkers were everywhere, like on a Bank Holiday. I have become a curmudgeon.
Still, the Red Kite was still sitting on its nest, ignoring the comings and goings (or at least not overly concerned by them) and everything was in its right place (Aprart from a swan nest which has been abandoned/predated and just one dead cygnet remains).
The highlights today were watching a few Swifts come down to the still clam waters of Gunwade lake, open their huge gapes and scoop up water, wings raised above the head like a skimmer (bird that is, not dragonfly). Also, a Common Sandpiper was flying around that lake, the first I have seen there for a while.
But the real stars, today, were the Nightingales. One in particular was singing its heart out and even showing quite well in the sun at times.

Singing Nightingale, Ferry Meadows CP, Peterborough, 20.5.20 (Mike Weedon)