Spring morning with St Albans RSPB at Maple Lodge

After a successfull talk in St Albans I was lucky enough to guide 24 people around Maple Lodge
along with Keith Pursall.We split in to two groups and set off for the Rotunda hide on route I had
noted goldfinch and singing Mistle thrush on route to the reserve.
A few distant Teal were seen from Rotunda and nearby a Chiffchaff  was calling.Moving on to the
flooded woodland.

Amongst some conifers a single Goldcrest showed well calling prior to us viewing from
the fairly new Teal hide.

From the hide a good variety of duck obliged notably Tufted , a pair of Mallard with up to four
young passed across the water in front of us.A great view of Gadwall alighting and at rest was
superb.

When they took off we had great views of their underwings in great light.

On route to the sluice our first Willow warbler,then in to the Paddock some  had Red kite and
Sparrowhawk overhead,for yours truly in the Alders a single Lesser Redpoll. From Lynsters hide
five Egyptian geese were on the adjacent fields.
Next up Long Hedge hide produced a pair of Pochard the male in resplendant plumage.

The regular Great crested grebe showed at a distance,we retraced our steps down Long Hedge
noting Willow warbler and a Blackcap,back though the wet woodland Lesser Celandine was coming
through.

The icing on the cake was a Tree creeper with nest material.

So it was good bye to St Albans RSPB who had enjoyed their visit to Maple Lodge.