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Woodpecker

I put a block of fat out on the ground tray this morning and within two minutes there was a greater spotted woodpecker gathering a beak full. It then promptly flew off, presumably taking the food to a nearby brood.

Varous writers have remarked on the early breeding of robins this year and, as mentioned in previous posts, I have already seen a juvenile in the garden. The adults are carrying off more fat so it looks as if they are raising a second brood. The starlings are also still carrying food away although I will expect to see juveniles within the next fortnight.

There have been a few swallows around Ley Hill but for swifts the place at the moment seems to be Ferry Lane in Walthamstow as there are huge numbers over the reservoir there.

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