What’s About – week of 23 February 2016

FLOWERS

Common Dog Violets – several in flower at Linford Wood (22nd – MK)
Colt’s Foot in flower throughout Ouse Valley
Blackthorn in blossom – Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (18th)
Cowslips in flower – Howe Park Wood (17th – MK)
Hawthorn coming into leaf throughout MK

AMPHIBIANS

Common Toads spawning at Howe Park Wood ponds (21 – Harry Appleyard)
Frogs and spawn in ponds at Westcroft, North Willen, Linford Lakes and Linford Wood (20-22)
Great Crested Newts under refugia – Hazeley Wood (18th – Parks Trust staff)

BIRDS

Ferruginous Duck still at Caldecotte Lake (South)
DIPPER – confirmed sighting in Loughton Brook, Furzton (16th – Andy Harding)
Merlin – hunting over Stanton Low (20th)
10 Goosander, 1 Little Owl – Manor Farm, Old Wolverton (20th – MK)
Chiffchaff singing at Westcroft ponds (22nd – HA)
2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Raven – Pineham Park (22nd – MK)

MAMMALS

Pipistrelle bat flying over Teardrop Lakes at dusk (22nd – MK)