Life On The Slea (LOTS)

There was atrail of destruction along the Slea yesterday, fence broken and parts in river - bench seat in river - waste bin bent over - another waste bin in river - flotation ring (for rescue) from Lollycocks field in river, decorative wood ‘waffling’ destroyed and in river…. I dont know what the people who did this get out of it, but there again they have no brains so probably get nothing out of life in general anyway

Terry

PS I did not see any dabchicks or any of the seven Ducklings, however I was told that seven ducklings were seen on Monday ? 2 swans were around also, they seem to come and go, I actually hope the go and don’t come back - why - because Sleaford has had a history of messing swans about (stolen eggs - pouring blue paint over 1) so I think they will be safer somewhere else.

Its a real shame because I think these ducklings are too early and will not survive…

…there were seven ducklings and I would love to be proved wrong though.

There were TWO Kingfishers on the Old Slea this Morning also saw a Heron The two new ducks are still around also.

I saw 2 swans downstream from the Leisure Centre, I threw a little food to them but they ignored it and actually appeared to back away from it. later I saw two swans overhead and assume they were the same two. However when I got to the Hub there were two swans happily being fed by a woman and child. I therefore believe we had FOUR swans on the Slea this morning but have no definitive proof, just adding everything up ?

Terry

Not sure if the two Dabchicks I saw today are the same pair as normal, they ‘looked’ different and also seemd a little nervous, however I didn’t see any other Dabchick so it might just be my imagination.

Allan had told me he saw 2 swans last weekend on the Slea and they have been there on and off since. Today I saw them flying overhead before they ‘landed’ on the Slea.

Also saw the Kingfisher

Terry

I got a bit wet this morning, I decided to go down the Slea as it was not raining, but when I got there it started, not heavy but persistent.

I did see both Dabchicks and a Mallard was nesting, she is reasonably safe from dogs and humans so it will be interesting to keep an eye on her over the next few weeks. Any ducklings will hatch sometime beginning of March, which is a bit early, so I hope it gets warmer by then.

I was told a Water Vole has been sighted downstream of the Mill, which is good news, however I have also been told that Mink have been seen only about 5 miles away, if true that could be VERY disastrous.

The Slea has got quite a lot of water in it at the moment and lots of water is going over weir into the Old Slea and also past Cogglesford Mill…

Terry

A slightly different kind of day, I did see the Kingfisher and both Dabchicks, but Mel told me he had seen between 30-50 Siskins past the railway bridge downstream of the Mill. Mel and I walked back there but they had gone. I did see a couple of Fieldfares in Lollycocks field though.

The 2 newcomer ducks are still near the Leisure Centre.

Goldfinch on a thistle..

Terry

Not much happening on the Slea today except I saw these two (who arrived yesterday)…

…I have been told on good authority that these are ‘Farmyard Ducks’, so nothing exceptional.

I did see 1 Dabchick today but not the other one. Some Moorhens seem to be chasing away any remaining offspring from last year so that they have their territory all to themselves.

Terry

Had excellent views of a Robin this morning, from about 1 foot as he started to eat some seeds before I had finished putting them down Also a tame (ish) Blackbird that normally hangs around for some food if he sees me.

I didnt see the Dabchicks today but had very good views of the Kingfisher.

Another shot of a Fieldfare eating berries…

Terry

I definately saw one of the Dabchicks this morning, a little later and further upstream I saw another Dabchick, I cannot be absolutely sure but I do not think it was the same so I think I saw both The second one had also caught a little fish.

Also saw the Kingfisher and he settled on a branch quite near, much nearer than he would normally accept, so I think that shows he was hungry and therefore a little ‘braver’ than normal.

Another Fieldfare with an apple…

Terry

No sign of the Dabchicks this morning, but I have no reason to believe that they were not around somewhere. I did see the Kingfisher a couple of times, but I personally think it was 2 different Kingfishers but have no proof.

We have had an influx of Fielsfares over the past week during the bad weather, here is one with Contoneaster berries…

Terry

The two Dabchicks were TOGETHER this morning near Cogglesford bend Also saw the Kingfisher about 3 times, I presume it was the same one each time. Lots of water going over the old Slea weir and the river below Cogglesford is quite high for that stretch of water (but only a foot or so).

Mrs Blackbird having some Cotoneaster berries…

Terry